Page:Sharad Joshi - Leading Farmers to the Centre Stage.pdf/158

 the agitators was about two to three kilometers. The blockade spot became known as andolan nagari. Scenes from this andolan nagari were inspiring; almost poetic. Many farmers who had travelled from far off places were also cooking, bathing and doing their daily chores on the road itself. Early in the morning they would bathe and use the makeshift toilets provided by the road side. There were separate areas for men and women. It was all kept very clean. Overall cleanliness and the spirit of cooperation that prevailed in the andolan nagari was a miracle. Arrangement was made by the local farmers to supply necessary food and other provisions to those staying at the andolan nagari. Thousands of them would bring with them pithale-bhakaris, chutney, onion and other simple homemade food items for others who had camped at the site. Petty vendors would come from Nipani town to set up their stalls. Everything from idlis and tea to fruit and biscuits was sold at a highly subsidized rate as a token of their support. Farmers from nearby villages would everyday send as their contribution many drums filled with ambil; a healthy and tasty local drink made from jowar flour and flavoured with garlic. A few electricity connections and water taps were also made available from the roadside villages. Three doctors had stopped their local practice and were spending entire day to attend to the medical needs of the agitators. This was a big boon to many farmers, who had come with their wives and children. In their own villages they did not have any doctor and this was their opportunity to get checked. One young doctor had come all the way from Bombay just to support the agitating farmers. Joshi himself had camped with them on the road. Only for sleeping at night he would go to Subhash Joshi’s house. Otherwise he was available whole day for any farmers who might want to meet him. It was quite a change for the agitators to have their top leader stay with them. Smouldering Tobacco in Nipani

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