Entrepreneurs support Indian farmers

Recognise One, a platform set up by a group of Birmingham-based entrepreneurs, has raised nearly £380,000 to help support suffering families caught up in farmers’ protests in India.

More than 3,200 people have made donations after watching a Kisaans in Need event livestreamed on YouTube, which included many prominent Indian figures and attracted a large worldwide audience.

Kisaans, who are farmers or agricultural workers in India, have been protesting against a series of agricultural reform laws. The protests have intensified in recent months, with worsening climates and clashes with government forces reportedly leading to deaths of farmers, and rising suicide rates because of increased stress.

Recognise One is an apolitical platform working as part of a global movement that is committed to ending poverty and social injustice. It chose the well-respected Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) as a charity partner to collect the funds from the online event.

MLSS, a Walsall-based charity set up in 2013 to provide free hot food and drinks to people in need, has received many accolades over the years including the Queen’s Award, the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and a TSB Local Pride of Birmingham Community Partner Award.

Investor and entrepreneur, Tani Dulay, whose day-job is chief executive of Woodbourne Group, has been helping to co-ordinate the charity effort.

Mr Dulay, speaking on behalf of Recognise One, said: “Recognise One is strictly apolitical, founded on the principle of Sikhism, recognising the human race as one. We give voice to those that require it, no matter the colour, race or creed as part of a global movement committed to ending poverty and social injustice.

“We operate purely and transparently on a 100% donation basis, with any and all associated costs self-funded by us.

“The funds will go directly towards suicide prevention and mental health awareness projects, plus farming methods to yield better results, water preservation techniques such as the Israeli dripfeed irrigation system, and alternatives to pesticides. This will all support current and future generations of Indian farmers.”

The Kisaans in Need event was hosted by Harjap Bhangal and featured MP Tanmanjeet Singh Desi, British producer and musician Steel Banglez and film director Rehmat Rayatt. Others who appeared included Benny Dhaliwal, Kanwar Grewal, Malkit Singh MBE and Randhir Singh, the chief executive of the Midland Langar Seva Society.

Recognise One will now be hosting a weekly current affairs talk show, with a number of high profile celebrities already confirmed. The platform plans to bring exclusive content and will be aired on IGTV and YouTube.

Extra donations can be made to Recognise One’s Kisaans in Need project in partnership with Midlands Langar Seva Society here: www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/recogniseone/

Pictured: Tani Dulay