Last year, I came across some news that both farmers and laborers in India were committing suicide at an alarming rate. I visited several villages in Sangur district in Punjab in August 2022 to witness how these families had been devastated. For example, one home I witnessed had to take a small loan to pay for their child’s medical treatment at 5% interest per month. While the loan balance was just $2,500, the creditors were hounding the only male member in the family, a 28-year-old, who was forced to commit suicide. Despite his suicide the creditors are now coming after the family’s home. This suicide was avoidable and intervention was possible. We all need to join forces to advocate against usury laws and help the surviving families.
I am pledging to give 100% of the profits generated by this site to BNES, which has challenged the current order by highlighting the plight of farmers and adopting family members of farmers who have committed suicide.
Without such such an intervention, the financial desperation in each family only increases and many families have even witnessed multiple suicides: the father commits suicide, followed by the elder son, then the younger son… BNES intervenes in this vicious cycle. Also, its support to families prevents other manifestations of such desperation such as domestic violence, feticide and infanticide.
Anyone can support a family for just $360 per family per year (less than a dollar a day). The money is provided directly to the families with only one condition and qualification: their children stay in school.
Will you join me to make a difference in the lives of these families?