Punjab Scientist Refuses Award From Minister Over Farmers' Protest

The echo of the farmers' protest reached the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) award ceremony as a Punjab Agricultural University scientist refused to receive an award from a union minister in New Delhi. Instead, the scientist raised slogans in support of farmers at a function. The FAI had invited Dr Varinderpal Singh, Principal Soil Chemist, Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, to receive the FAI Golden Jubilee Award for Excellence and a gold medal. He was to receive the award from Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers DV Sadananda Gowda. However, he not only refused to accept the award but also a handed over a letter for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the withdrawal of the new farm laws.