The Singur Movement (2006-2008) was a significant people's protest in West Bengal against the acquisition of fertile agricultural land by the government for a Tata Motors car factory. The movement centered in Singur, Hooghly district, where around 997 acres of multi-crop farmland was being acquired. Farmers, unwilling to give up their land, opposed the forced acquisition, leading to widespread protests.

The movement was primarily led by Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with various local farmers' groups and civil society organizations. Banerjee went on a 26-day hunger strike in support of the farmers. Other prominent groups included the Krishi Jami Raksha Committee (Save Agricultural Land Committee).

After intense protests and legal battles, Tata Motors eventually withdrew from Singur in 2008. The movement became a defining moment in West Bengal’s political landscape, contributing to the end of the 34-year Left Front government in 2011.
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The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was the first major nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It was initiated in Champaran, Bihar, in response to the oppressive system of tinkathia, where indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land by British planters. This system left farmers impoverished, as the indigo trade had become unprofitable due to the rise of synthetic dyes.

Gandhi, along with local leaders like Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, and Braj Kishore Prasad, organized the movement. Gandhi used his method of Satyagraha (nonviolent protest) to mobilize peasants and demand relief from the exploitative system.

The movement attracted national attention, and after months of protests, investigations, and negotiations, the British government agreed to abolish the tinkathia system and introduced reforms. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha marked Gandhi’s emergence as a national leader and laid the foundation for future mass movements against colonial rule.

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The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a significant peasant movement in Gujarat, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was initiated in response to a 30% increase in land revenue imposed by the British colonial government, which was unbearable for the farmers of Bardoli taluka in Surat district, who had suffered from floods and famine.

The movement was spearheaded by the Bardoli Taluka Farmers' Association, with the involvement of local leaders like Indulal Yagnik and Kalyanji Mehta. Under Patel’s leadership, the farmers refused to pay the increased taxes, leading to the confiscation of their land, cattle, and property by the British authorities.

Despite severe repression, the movement gained widespread support across India. After months of nonviolent resistance, the British government was forced to roll back the tax hike and return the confiscated properties. This victory earned Patel the title of "Sardar" and strengthened his role in the Indian independence struggle.
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The Tebhaga Movement (1946-1947) was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal, aimed at improving the share of produce for tenant farmers. At the time, sharecroppers (bargadars) were required to give half of their harvest to landlords, but the movement sought to reduce this to one-third, hence the name Tebhaga (meaning "three shares").

The movement was led by the Kisan Sabha, the peasant wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Key leaders included Kangal Harinath, Hare Krishna Konar, Ajit Pandey, and Saroj Mukherjee.

The movement gained widespread support from impoverished peasants, particularly in the districts of Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Jalpaiguri. Although it faced severe repression from the colonial government and landlords, the Tebhaga movement was instrumental in drawing attention to the exploitation of peasants and laid the groundwork for land reform movements in post-independence India.

The Singur Movement (2006-2008) was a significant people's protest in West Bengal against the acquisition of fertile agricultural land by the government for a Tata Motors car factory. The movement centered in Singur, Hooghly district, where around 997 acres of multi-crop farmland was being acquired. Farmers, unwilling to give up their land, opposed the forced acquisition, leading to widespread protests.

The movement was primarily led by Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with various local farmers' groups and civil society organizations. Banerjee went on a 26-day hunger strike in support of the farmers. Other prominent groups included the Krishi Jami Raksha Committee (Save Agricultural Land Committee).

After intense protests and legal battles, Tata Motors eventually withdrew from Singur in 2008. The movement became a defining moment in West Bengal’s political landscape, contributing to the end of the 34-year Left Front government in 2011.
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The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was the first major nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It was initiated in Champaran, Bihar, in response to the oppressive system of tinkathia, where indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land by British planters. This system left farmers impoverished, as the indigo trade had become unprofitable due to the rise of synthetic dyes.

Gandhi, along with local leaders like Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, and Braj Kishore Prasad, organized the movement. Gandhi used his method of Satyagraha (nonviolent protest) to mobilize peasants and demand relief from the exploitative system.

The movement attracted national attention, and after months of protests, investigations, and negotiations, the British government agreed to abolish the tinkathia system and introduced reforms. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha marked Gandhi’s emergence as a national leader and laid the foundation for future mass movements against colonial rule.

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The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a significant peasant movement in Gujarat, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was initiated in response to a 30% increase in land revenue imposed by the British colonial government, which was unbearable for the farmers of Bardoli taluka in Surat district, who had suffered from floods and famine.

The movement was spearheaded by the Bardoli Taluka Farmers' Association, with the involvement of local leaders like Indulal Yagnik and Kalyanji Mehta. Under Patel’s leadership, the farmers refused to pay the increased taxes, leading to the confiscation of their land, cattle, and property by the British authorities.

Despite severe repression, the movement gained widespread support across India. After months of nonviolent resistance, the British government was forced to roll back the tax hike and return the confiscated properties. This victory earned Patel the title of "Sardar" and strengthened his role in the Indian independence struggle.
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The Tebhaga Movement (1946-1947) was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal, aimed at improving the share of produce for tenant farmers. At the time, sharecroppers (bargadars) were required to give half of their harvest to landlords, but the movement sought to reduce this to one-third, hence the name Tebhaga (meaning "three shares").

The movement was led by the Kisan Sabha, the peasant wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Key leaders included Kangal Harinath, Hare Krishna Konar, Ajit Pandey, and Saroj Mukherjee.

The movement gained widespread support from impoverished peasants, particularly in the districts of Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Jalpaiguri. Although it faced severe repression from the colonial government and landlords, the Tebhaga movement was instrumental in drawing attention to the exploitation of peasants and laid the groundwork for land reform movements in post-independence India.

The Subaltern School is an important historiographical approach that emerged in the 1980s, focusing on the history of marginalized and oppressed groups, or the "subaltern," in colonial and postcolonial societies. The school sought to challenge the dominant narrative of Indian history, which had largely been written from the perspective of elites, whether colonial rulers or indigenous leaders.

Founded by Ranajit Guha and other historians like Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Dipesh Chakrabarty, and Partha Chatterjee, the Subaltern School aimed to give voice to peasants, workers, tribals, and other marginalized communities whose perspectives were often overlooked in mainstream histories.

The movement drew inspiration from Gramscian ideas of hegemony and focused on how these groups resisted domination. It reshaped the understanding of colonialism, nationalism, and class struggles, promoting a "history from below." Although influential, the school has been critiqued for its focus on fragmentation over unity and its reliance on postcolonial theory.

The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a significant peasant movement in Gujarat, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was initiated in response to a 30% increase in land revenue imposed by the British colonial government, which was unbearable for the farmers of Bardoli taluka in Surat district, who had suffered from floods and famine.

The movement was spearheaded by the Bardoli Taluka Farmers' Association, with the involvement of local leaders like Indulal Yagnik and Kalyanji Mehta. Under Patel’s leadership, the farmers refused to pay the increased taxes, leading to the confiscation of their land, cattle, and property by the British authorities.

Despite severe repression, the movement gained widespread support across India. After months of nonviolent resistance, the British government was forced to roll back the tax hike and return the confiscated properties. This victory earned Patel the title of "Sardar" and strengthened his role in the Indian independence struggle.

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The Tebhaga Movement (1946-1947) was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal, aimed at improving the share of produce for tenant farmers. At the time, sharecroppers (bargadars) were required to give half of their harvest to landlords, but the movement sought to reduce this to one-third, hence the name Tebhaga (meaning "three shares").

The movement was led by the Kisan Sabha, the peasant wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Key leaders included Kangal Harinath, Hare Krishna Konar, Ajit Pandey, and Saroj Mukherjee.

The movement gained widespread support from impoverished peasants, particularly in the districts of Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Jalpaiguri. Although it faced severe repression from the colonial government and landlords, the Tebhaga movement was instrumental in drawing attention to the exploitation of peasants and laid the groundwork for land reform movements in post-independence India.

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The Naxalbari Movement (1967) was a radical peasant uprising in the Naxalbari region of West Bengal, marking the beginning of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency in India. The movement emerged from long-standing land disputes, where poor tribal peasants demanded land reforms and the redistribution of land held by wealthy landlords.

The movement was led by Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal, and was inspired by Maoist ideology, advocating armed struggle against the state. It originated within the Communist Party of India (Marxist), but soon splintered into the more radical Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), advocating revolutionary change through violence.

In May 1967, the peasants seized land and crops, and the movement quickly spread to other parts of India. The government responded with harsh repression, crushing the uprising. Despite its failure, the Naxalbari movement inspired future left-wing insurgencies and continues to influence Naxalite groups fighting for tribal and peasant rights in several parts of India today.

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The Navnirman Andolan (1974) was a student-led protest movement in Gujarat against corruption and price rises, eventually leading to the collapse of the Chimanbhai Patel government. It started as a spontaneous uprising by students in Ahmedabad, who were angered by high mess charges in hostels, but soon grew into a broader agitation against political corruption and inflation affecting the state.

The movement was supported by various social and political groups, including middle-class citizens, traders, and opposition parties. It was led by student leaders, but prominent political figures like Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) and Morarji Desai lent support, turning it into a larger anti-establishment movement.

Mass protests, strikes, and violent clashes followed, forcing the government to step down. The Navnirman Andolan became a symbol of youth-driven political reform, inspiring other movements across India, including JP’s Total Revolution movement, which eventually contributed to the declaration of Emergency in 1975.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), formed in 1980, is one of the most prominent farmers' organizations in India, focusing on the rights and welfare of farmers, particularly in the northern states. It was founded by Mahendra Singh Tikait, a powerful peasant leader, in response to the growing distress among farmers due to low crop prices, exploitation by middlemen, and high input costs.

BKU primarily operates in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, advocating for better procurement prices, loan waivers, and agricultural policy reforms. The organization gained national prominence during the 1988 farmers' protest in Meerut, where thousands of farmers gathered to demand higher sugarcane prices and electricity subsidies. The movement brought rural issues to the forefront of Indian politics.

BKU remains an influential player in Indian agriculture, often mobilizing large-scale protests and demonstrations. It played a significant role in the recent 2020-2021 farmers' protests against the new farm laws, becoming a central force in the nationwide agitation.

The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was the first major nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It was initiated in Champaran, Bihar, in response to the oppressive system of tinkathia, where indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land by British planters. This system left farmers impoverished, as the indigo trade had become unprofitable due to the rise of synthetic dyes.

Gandhi, along with local leaders like Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, and Braj Kishore Prasad, organized the movement. Gandhi used his method of Satyagraha (nonviolent protest) to mobilize peasants and demand relief from the exploitative system.

The movement attracted national attention, and after months of protests, investigations, and negotiations, the British government agreed to abolish the tinkathia system and introduced reforms. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha marked Gandhi’s emergence as a national leader and laid the foundation for future mass movements against colonial rule.

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The Kheda Movement (1918) was a significant peasant uprising in the Kheda district of Gujarat, led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was sparked by the British colonial government's decision to collect full taxes from the farmers, despite crop failures and famine conditions in the region. The peasants, struggling to survive, requested a tax exemption, which the authorities denied.

In response, Gandhi, along with leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indulal Yagnik, and Shankarlal Banker, organized a nonviolent resistance movement. The peasants refused to pay taxes, and the movement employed Satyagraha (nonviolent protest) to assert their rights.

After months of protests, the British government finally relented and suspended the tax collection, providing relief to the farmers. The Kheda movement marked another successful application of Gandhi’s Satyagraha strategy and strengthened the unity of peasants, laying the groundwork for future struggles for Indian independence.

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The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was a significant peasant movement in Gujarat, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was initiated in response to a 30% increase in land revenue imposed by the British colonial government, which was unbearable for the farmers of Bardoli taluka in Surat district, who had suffered from floods and famine.

The movement was spearheaded by the Bardoli Taluka Farmers' Association, with the involvement of local leaders like Indulal Yagnik and Kalyanji Mehta. Under Patel’s leadership, the farmers refused to pay the increased taxes, leading to the confiscation of their land, cattle, and property by the British authorities.

Despite severe repression, the movement gained widespread support across India. After months of nonviolent resistance, the British government was forced to roll back the tax hike and return the confiscated properties. This victory earned Patel the title of "Sardar" and strengthened his role in the Indian independence struggle.

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The Chipko Andolan (1973) was a pioneering environmental movement in Uttarakhand, India, known for its nonviolent resistance against deforestation. The movement's name, meaning "to hug" in Hindi, reflects the activists' strategy of hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down.

The Chipko Andolan began in the village of Reni in the Chamoli district when local villagers, led by Gaura Devi, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Sunderlal Bahuguna, protested against the logging of trees by a contractor. The movement aimed to protect the forests, which were crucial for the local ecosystem and the livelihood of the villagers.

The activists' peaceful protests attracted national and international attention, leading to a government ban on commercial logging in the region. The Chipko Andolan is celebrated for its role in raising awareness about environmental conservation and the rights of indigenous communities, and it inspired similar movements globally.

Social Movements and New Social Movements (NSMs) are both forms of collective action aimed at societal change, but they differ in their focus, methods, and goals.

Social Movements:

• Focus: Traditionally centered on issues like labor rights, economic inequalities, or political reform.
• Goals: Often seek to address specific grievances, reform existing structures, or challenge established political and economic systems.
• Examples: The ** labor movement** of the early 20th century aimed at improving workers' conditions and wages. The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s sought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

New Social Movements (NSMs):

• Focus: Emerged in the late 20th century, addressing issues related to identity, cultural rights, and environmental concerns. They often emphasize social change over economic or political reform.
• Goals: NSMs tend to focus on lifestyle changes, cultural transformation, and broader social issues, often with a more decentralized, grassroots approach.
• Examples: The Chipko Andolan (1973) focused on environmental conservation through nonviolent resistance. The LGBTQ+ rights movement advocates for the recognition and protection of sexual and gender minorities' rights and identity.

While traditional social movements often sought systemic changes within existing structures, NSMs challenge the broader cultural and social norms and emphasize the importance of identity and community.

Eric R. Wolf (1923-1999) was a prominent anthropologist known for his influential work in the field of cultural anthropology. His research focused on the dynamics of power, economic systems, and social organization in various cultures. Wolf’s work often examined the impact of global economic and political systems on local societies.

Key Contributions:

• "Peasant Societies and Agrarian Change" (1966): Wolf’s seminal work, which explores the relationships between peasant societies and larger socio-economic systems, emphasizing the ways in which peasants adapt to and resist external pressures.
• "Europe and the People Without History" (1982): This book expanded on the idea of how European colonialism and capitalist expansion influenced non-European societies. Wolf argued that historical changes and the formation of the modern world were interconnected across different regions.
• Focus on Power and Economy: Wolf’s work frequently analyzed how economic systems, class structures, and political power dynamics shape social relations and cultural practices.

Eric R. Wolf’s contributions significantly advanced the understanding of how global forces impact local cultures and societies, integrating concepts from Marxism and political economy into anthropological studies.

Karl Marx characterized peasants as "sacks of potatoes" and "epitome of backwardness." Marx viewed peasants as passive and lacking in political consciousness, largely because they were seen as subsisting on traditional agricultural methods and resistant to social change. This perspective was part of Marx's broader critique of the peasantry in contrast to the more dynamic and revolutionary working class.

The Raytu Sangh, established in 1956, is a prominent farmers' organization in Andhra Pradesh, India. Founded by P. Subbarao, the union focuses on addressing the issues faced by farmers, including low crop prices, agricultural subsidies, and land rights.

Key aspects of the Raytu Sangh include:

• Focus: The organization advocates for fair prices for crops, better agricultural policies, and support for farmers’ economic conditions. It also works on issues related to irrigation, land tenure, and rural development.
• Activities: The Raytu Sangh is known for organizing protests, negotiations with government bodies, and mobilizing farmers to demand better policies and support.

P. Subbarao is the primary leader associated with the Raytu Sangh, recognized for his role in shaping the organization's direction and addressing the needs of farmers in Andhra Pradesh. The Raytu Sangh remains an influential voice in the state’s agricultural sector.

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The Chipko Movement (1973) was a pioneering environmental movement in Uttarakhand, India, known for its nonviolent resistance against deforestation. The movement's name, meaning "to hug" in Hindi, reflects the activists' strategy of hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down.

The Chipko Movement began in the village of Reni in the Chamoli district when local villagers, led by Gaura Devi, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Sunderlal Bahuguna, protested against the logging of trees by a contractor. The movement aimed to protect the forests, which were crucial for the local ecosystem and the livelihood of the villagers.

The activists' peaceful protests attracted national and international attention, leading to a government ban on commercial logging in the region. The Chipko Movement is celebrated for its role in raising awareness about environmental conservation and the rights of indigenous communities, and it inspired similar movements globally.

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The Shetkari Sanghatana, founded in 1979, is a prominent farmers' organization based in Maharashtra, India. The name translates to "Farmers' Union" in Marathi. The organization was established by Sharad Joshi, an influential leader and advocate for farmers' rights.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The Shetkari Sanghatana primarily addresses issues related to agricultural policies, farmer welfare, and economic conditions. It campaigns for better prices for crops, fair trade practices, and policies to support small and marginal farmers.
• Activities: The organization is known for its advocacy work, organizing protests, and negotiating with the government to improve conditions for farmers. It also works on issues such as irrigation, land rights, and rural development.
• Impact: The Shetkari Sanghatana played a significant role in shaping agricultural policies in Maharashtra and has been involved in several successful campaigns for higher crop prices and better support for farmers.

The Shetkari Sanghatana continues to be a key player in advocating for farmers' issues in Maharashtra and has influenced broader agricultural policy discussions in India.

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The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), meaning "Save the Narmada Movement," is a prominent environmental and social movement in India that began in the early 1980s. The movement was initiated in response to the construction of the Narmada Dam on the Narmada River, which threatened to displace thousands of people and disrupt local ecosystems.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The NBA opposed the large-scale dam project due to its environmental impact and the displacement of indigenous communities and farmers. The movement advocated for the rights of affected people, sustainable development, and proper rehabilitation measures.
• Activities: The movement involved mass protests, legal battles, and public awareness campaigns. Activists sought to highlight the negative consequences of the dam and demanded fair compensation and rehabilitation for displaced communities.

Leader:

• Medha Patkar is the most prominent leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. A social activist and advocate for environmental justice, Patkar has played a central role in mobilizing support for the movement, organizing protests, and representing the concerns of affected communities.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan has had a significant impact on environmental activism and development policies in India, drawing international attention to the issues of displacement and environmental degradation.

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The Mazdoor Kishan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), founded in 1990, is a prominent grassroots organization in Rajasthan, India, dedicated to the rights of workers and farmers. Established by Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, and Shankar Singh, the MKSS focuses on issues related to labor rights, land rights, and rural development.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The MKSS works to improve the living conditions of marginalized communities through advocacy for fair wages, job security, and transparency in government programs. It has been instrumental in promoting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which aims to increase government accountability and transparency.
• Activities: The organization engages in grassroots activism, legal aid, and public campaigns to address grievances and ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes.

The MKSS has significantly influenced social and political reforms in India, contributing to the empowerment of rural workers and farmers and strengthening democratic accountability.

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India Against Corruption (IAC) was a notable anti-corruption movement founded in 2011. Led by Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, and other activists, the IAC aimed to combat corruption in Indian politics and promote transparency. The movement gained widespread attention through mass protests and hunger strikes, notably Hazare’s fast at Jantar Mantar, demanding the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill to establish an independent anti-corruption authority. The IAC played a significant role in raising public awareness about corruption and led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with Kejriwal becoming its leader and Delhi’s Chief Minister.

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The Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, founded in 2011 by Trupti Desai, is a women's organization based in Maharashtra, India, focused on fighting for gender equality and women's rights. The brigade is known for its activism against patriarchal practices and discrimination, including issues like gender-based violence and inequality.

Key Activities:

• Advocacy: The brigade has been involved in various campaigns to address gender injustices and has organized protests against practices such as the restriction of women’s entry into certain religious places.
• Impact: The Bhumata Ranragini Brigade has gained attention for its bold activism and efforts to challenge traditional norms, contributing to the broader movement for women's rights in India.

James C. Scott is a renowned political scientist and anthropologist known for his work on resistance, state power, and peasant societies. His research often explores how marginalized groups resist domination and assert their agency within oppressive systems.

Key Contributions:

• "Weapons of the Weak: Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance" (1985): This seminal work examines the subtle, everyday forms of resistance used by peasants in Malaysia to oppose oppressive structures, challenging the notion that only overt rebellion is a form of resistance.
• "Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed" (1998): In this influential book, Scott critiques state-driven modernization schemes and their tendency to overlook local knowledge and practices, leading to failures in policy implementation.
• "The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia" (2009): This work explores how various ethnic groups in Southeast Asia have historically resisted state control and maintained their autonomy.

Scott’s research offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power, resistance, and the complexities of state-society relations.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) played a significant role in the 2020-2021 farmers' protests in India, particularly in Punjab. The party, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal and earlier by Parkash Singh Badal, has been a major political force in Punjab and a vocal advocate for farmers' rights.

Key Roles:

• Opposition to Farm Laws: The SAD was strongly opposed to the three farm laws passed by the Indian Parliament in September 2020, which were perceived to favor large corporations and undermine the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system. The party supported the farmers' demand for the repeal of these laws.
• Political Support: The SAD lent political weight to the protest by publicly supporting the farmers’ cause and demanding the government address their concerns. This included participating in demonstrations and advocating for the farmers' demands in political forums.
• Resignation: In October 2020, the SAD withdrew from the NDA (National Democratic Alliance), citing the government's refusal to address the concerns of farmers and the passage of the contentious laws.

The Shiromani Akali Dal’s involvement highlighted the intersection of political dynamics and grassroots activism in the farmers' protest movement.

The Bhoodan Movement was a land reform initiative started by Vinoba Bhave in 1951. Bhave, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, sought to address land inequality by persuading wealthy landowners to voluntarily donate a portion of their land to landless peasants. The movement aimed to distribute land to the poor, promoting social justice and rural development. Bhave traveled extensively across India, advocating for the cause and achieving notable success in several regions. The Bhoodan Movement played a significant role in raising awareness about land reforms and inspired subsequent efforts to address rural poverty and land distribution issues.

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The Shetkari Sanghatana, founded in 1979, is a prominent farmers' organization based in Maharashtra, India. The name translates to "Farmers' Union" in Marathi. The organization was established by Sharad Joshi, an influential leader and advocate for farmers' rights.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The Shetkari Sanghatana primarily addresses issues related to agricultural policies, farmer welfare, and economic conditions. It campaigns for better prices for crops, fair trade practices, and policies to support small and marginal farmers.
• Activities: The organization is known for its advocacy work, organizing protests, and negotiating with the government to improve conditions for farmers. It also works on issues such as irrigation, land rights, and rural development.
• Impact: The Shetkari Sanghatana played a significant role in shaping agricultural policies in Maharashtra and has been involved in several successful campaigns for higher crop prices and better support for farmers.

The Shetkari Sanghatana continues to be a key player in advocating for farmers' issues in Maharashtra and has influenced broader agricultural policy discussions in India.

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The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), established in 1980, is a major farmers' organization in India, primarily active in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Founded by Mahendra Singh Tikait, the union advocates for the rights and welfare of farmers, focusing on issues like crop prices, land rights, and loan waivers.

Key leaders of the BKU include:

• Mahendra Singh Tikait: The founder, known for his role in mobilizing farmers and leading significant protests.
• Rakesh Tikait: Mahendra Singh Tikait's son, who has continued his father's legacy, notably during the 2020-2021 farmers' protests against the controversial farm laws.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh: Former Prime Minister of India, who supported the farmers' movement and had connections with BKU.

The BKU has played a crucial role in highlighting farmers' issues and advocating for agricultural reforms through mass mobilization and protests.

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Bhupinder Singh Mann is a prominent Indian farmer leader and politician, associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU). He has been a key figure in advocating for farmers' rights and welfare, particularly in the Punjab region.

Key Aspects:

• Role in BKU: Mann has been actively involved in the BKU, which has played a significant role in addressing issues related to agriculture, land rights, and fair prices for crops.
• Farmers' Protest: During the 2020-2021 farmers' protests, Mann was a vocal supporter, advocating for the repeal of the controversial farm laws and highlighting the concerns of farmers.
• Political Involvement: Mann has also been involved in politics, working to influence policy and support farmers’ issues at various levels of government.

His leadership and activism have significantly contributed to the broader movement for agricultural reform and farmer welfare in India.