Exclusive: From a professional doctor to farm crusader: 36 years journey of Dr Darshan Pal
By Harshabab Sidhu
Singhu Border (Delhi), January 18, 2021: "I used to study under the light of candles and diyas as there was no electricity in our village then. On qualifying the metric, I became the first man in my family to do so. Also, we had no machinery for farming then and our parents used bullock for farming purposes, shared Dr Darshan Pal while talking about his life journey.
Talking to the Babushahi Times, Dr Darshan Pal, the president of Krantikari Kisan Union Punjab shared how he passed through several hard phases and saw many ups and downs in his life to become a farmer leader from a doctor. From an MD in anesthesia to a coordinator of all the farmers unions in Punjab, Dr Darshan Pal sees his journey of life full of struggles.
Born in Ranbirpura, a small village of Patiala. 70-year-old Dr Darshan Pal said he belonged to an agriculture based family where farming was the only task for all the members and his joint family had no education background.
He joined the tradition of farming in the family while growing up and then started studying in a school. "I used to study under the light of candles and diyas as there was no electricity in our village then. On qualifying the metric, I became the first man in my family to do so. Also, we had no machinery for farming then and our parents used bullock for farming purposes, “he said.
On moving to college to pursue the MBBS in Patiala, Darshan Pal started taking part in games like volleyball and Kabaddi as well as in various student movements. "I started my life as a social activist after taking part in the students’ movement in my college in 1971 for the first time.
After that, the massive movement started by Jai Prakash Narayan, got popular and I also joined that. We united several villagers with this movement to form progressive thoughts. When an emergency was imposed in the country, we opposed that by writing many slogans against Sanjay Gandhi and went through a great struggle. After the emergency, my MBBS got over and in 1975, I joined the students union at full fledged level and started working for the rights of the students," said Dr Darshan Pal.
He further shared the unforgettable experience of his marriage in his 28, when he took a big stand before his in-laws.
He said, "Initially, my father was not agreeing for my marriage. When my in-laws felt that, they made big expenses on my wedding and gave me several precious things. But that incident shook my soul following which I took a stand and returned to the hostel. I asked my in-laws to take back all the previous things as only then I will continue my life with my wife. They agreed and the villagers as well as relatives applauded my decision."
Dr Darshan Pal in talks with Babushahi Times staff correspondent Ravi Jakhu.
Before taking admission in MD in 1982, Dr Darshan Pal fought for the rights of Dalits as well as doctors and nurses by joining the agitations. During these fights, he said he along with his other companions, was also attacked by the people following which he suffered many injuries. Also, he had to shift from Patiala to Bathinda following the attacks and criticism on him.
"After completing my MD in1984, I started a rural job in Dhuri, Sangrur. At that time, we were on the targets of the khalistanis also and had to face tough times. In Sangrur, I took part in many national as well as international level revolutionary movements. Meanwhile, I was also trying to join the BKU (Lakhowal) when we were fighting for the rights of labourers," he added.
Quitting the high status and good package based job was one of the toughest decisions of my life, said Dr Darshan Pal. He said he had an anaesthetic job in 2002 and simultaneously he was participating in the movements. As the job was responsible and risky, he decided to quit over which his family was also unhappy as he was earning for them.
"Firstly my wife and whole family were unhappy over my decision but then they gave their consent following which I devoted my life to the movements and agitations. From 2003-2005, I was a part of several movements and in 2006, I started the Inquilabi Jamhuri Morcha with many intellectuals, but the morcha was not able to continue for a long as my father died in 2007," said Dr Darshan Pal. He said he decided to work for the farmers unions within Punjab. He started working for the BKU (Ekta), which is now BKU (Dakaunda), and after that became a part of the All India Kisan Sangrash Coordination Committee (AIKSCC).
Dr Darshan Pal also served people through his free acupuncture centre and a charitable clinic. Dr Darshan Pal also faced many controversies as many people could be seen saying him 'Maoist' but on this question, he said, "I do not want to comment on this."
Talking about his contribution in the ongoing agitation of farmers, he said, "I personally had contacted each leader of unions to bring them together as only then we could win this fight with the government. I was elected as the co-ordinator of all the unions following which I started to plan the meetings of unions. Right now, I am fully involved in the agitation and the fight will continue until our demands are met."