Abstract

India's agricultural heartland, Punjab and Haryana, erupted in protest in 2020 against the new farm laws enacted by the Modi government. The farmer protest (i.e. Kisan Andolan), led by Sikh farmers, particularly young people, demanded the repeal of the laws. Notably, a significant number of elderly also participated, contributing to the protest's peaceful and enduring nature. This movement also witnessed a resurgence of Sikh identity, with popular culture, especially music, playing a crucial role in amplifying the protest's message across the country and outside world. This paper analyzes the factors behind the Sikh community's strong participation and how the involvement of popular music artists empowered the movement. Ultimately, the sustained protests led to the Indian government's withdrawal of the three farm laws in September 2021.