National Farmers’ Day is celebrated to honor Choudhary Charan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and a true champion of farmers. Read his inspiring life story and unforgettable moments.
Why National Farmers’ Day Is Celebrated in Indi
Every year on 23 December, India celebrates National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Diwas) to honor the birth anniversary of Choudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India. This day recognizes the invaluable contribution of farmers to the nation and commemorates a leader who devoted his entire life to improving their condition.
Choudhary Charan Singh was not just a politician; he was the voice of rural India, especially small and marginal farmers who were often ignored in policy-making.
Early Life: Roots in Rural India
Born in 1902 in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Charan Singh grew up witnessing the hardships of farmers under British rule. These early experiences shaped his lifelong belief that India’s true progress depended on the prosperity of villages.
One unforgettable moment from his youth was when he saw farmers losing their land due to unfair revenue systems. This deeply moved him and planted the seed for his future mission—to fight for farmers’ rights through law and governance.
A Fearless Reformer for Farmers
As a leader, Charan Singh introduced several land and agrarian reforms. He strongly opposed the zamindari system, which exploited farmers, and played a key role in abolishing it in Uttar Pradesh.
One defining moment of his life was his unwavering stand against industrial policies that ignored agriculture. At a time when heavy industry was seen as the only path to development, Charan Singh boldly argued that farmers and agriculture must come first.
His book “India’s Poverty and Its Solution” remains a powerful critique of policies that sidelined rural India.
Short Tenure, Lasting Impact as Prime Minister
Though Charan Singh served as Prime Minister in 1979–80 for a brief period, his influence was long-lasting. An unforgettable moment was his refusal to compromise his principles for political power—he chose integrity over authority, earning deep respect even from opponents.
He believed:
“The farmer is the backbone of India. Ignore him, and the nation will suffer.”
Legacy and Importance of National Farmers’ Day
National Farmers’ Day is more than a remembrance—it is a reminder of our responsibility toward farmers. Charan Singh’s life teaches us that true leadership lies in standing with the weakest, even when it is politically inconvenient.
