Alappuzha: Marking Chingam One Farmers’ Day, the lush heartland of Kuttanad witnessed a powerful show of unity as farmers, clergy, and community leaders gathered for the Kuttanad Solidarity Dharna at Mangompil, Alappuzha.
Led by Reverend Mar Thomas Tharayil, the initiative was organized by the Catholic Congress and the Archdiocese of Changanassery, with the support of parishes and local organizations. The dharna resonated with the demand for a permanent solution to the recurring crises of Kuttanad from flood devastation to agricultural challenges.
Photographs from the event captured the determined faces of farmers standing shoulder to shoulder with Church leadership, echoing a call for justice and long-term policies to protect the region’s agrarian lifeline.
The Archdiocese of Changanassery and the All Kerala Catholic Congress (AKCC) emphasized that Kuttanad’s struggles are not merely local issues but represent the larger question of food security and farmers’ dignity.
The dharna stood as a symbolic reminder: Kuttanad’s future cannot be delayed its farmers demand solutions, not promises.
Thousands of farmers, hailing from across Kuttanad and its neighboring regions, gathered in an overwhelming display of unity and resilience, lending strength and urgency to the Kuttanad Solidarity Dharna. Their presence, marked by a sea of people filling the venue, reflected not just the immediate hardships they endure but also the deep-rooted determination to safeguard their land, livelihood, and future generations. Carrying with them the weight of decades of unaddressed issues such as recurring floods, crop failures, and lack of adequate support systems, the farmers stood shoulder to shoulder, their collective voice demanding a permanent solution from the authorities. The magnitude of their turnout sent a clear message that the struggles of Kuttanad’s farming community can no longer be sidelined, and that their plea is not merely a cry for relief but a call for justice, sustainability, and recognition of their indispensable role in feeding the state and the nation.
Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil addressed the protest with a heartfelt and powerful message that resonated deeply with the gathered farmers and supporters. In his speech, he highlighted the longstanding struggles faced by the agricultural community of Kuttanad, emphasizing how their tireless labor sustains not only their families but also the broader society that depends on their produce. He reminded everyone present that farmers are the backbone of the nation and deserve respect, dignity, and lasting solutions to their recurring crises rather than temporary relief measures. The Archbishop urged the government and policymakers to step forward with concrete, permanent strategies that would address the flooding, debt burdens, and uncertainties that continue to haunt Kuttanad farmers year after year. Stressing the moral and social responsibility of the Church and civil society, he called for unity in standing with the farmers during these testing times, underlining that their plight is not just an agricultural issue but a human issue that affects the very fabric of Kerala’s cultural and economic life. His words infused the gathering with both hope and determination, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that the dharna aimed to uphold.
Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil took the stage to address the Protest, delivering an impassioned speech in which he voiced the deep concerns of the farming community, emphasized the moral responsibility of society to stand with them, and called upon authorities to ensure a permanent and dignified solution to the enduring crisis of Kuttanad.
Bishop Mar Thomas Padiyath emerged as a powerful presence at the forefront of the protest, embodying both the moral strength and spiritual solidarity of the people gathered. As he addressed the massive crowd, his words carried the weight of conviction and compassion, reflecting the deep anguish of the farmers while also offering them hope and courage. By lending his voice to the cause, the Bishop not only highlighted the urgency of the farmers’ plight but also gave the movement a dignified and human face, reminding all present that the struggle for justice in Kuttanad was not merely an economic or political issue but a question of human survival, dignity, and the right to live with security. His presence on the protest stage symbolized the Church’s unwavering commitment to stand alongside the marginalized and oppressed, amplifying the farmers’ cry for a permanent solution to their long-standing hardships. In doing so, Bishop Padiyath transformed the protest into more than just a demonstration; it became a testament of faith, resilience, and solidarity, inspiring the participants to continue their struggle with renewed determination.
The image captures a deeply symbolic moment at the Kuttanad Solidarity Protest, where Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, adorned in traditional vestments, blesses a farmer who bows before him in reverence and gratitude. The scene powerfully reflects the bond between the Church and the farming community, highlighting the moral and spiritual support extended to those who toil in the fields amidst hardships. Surrounding the Archbishop are clergy and lay leaders, their expressions reflecting encouragement and solidarity with the cause. This exchange embodies not only respect but also the Church’s commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of Kuttanad, amplifying their call for justice and sustainable solutions to their enduring struggles. It is a moment that conveys dignity, compassion, and unity, reinforcing the message that the farmers’ fight is a collective responsibility of society.