As determined farmers from across India brave cold winter nights, sleeping on streets, tractors and in makeshift tents, it has been disheartening to see how poorly they have been portrayed by many media outlets. Joining these unprofessional organizations are hate-filled pseudo-celebrities and other ignorant people, all of whom are intent on misleading the world and discrediting these courageous men and women.

First and foremost, this is not about religion, so please stop trying to making it so. The fact that the vast majority of the protesting farmers belong to the Sikh faith does not make this a Sikh protest. This is about the rights of farmers as a collective, regardless of faith.

Your poorly thought-out news reports and baseless accusations made against the men and women protesting in India and abroad are a joke. You are accusing 70-80 year old people who have left their villages and farms behind of fanning the flames of intolerance and hatred, when in fact it is you doing so. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

This is yet another example of biased and irresponsible reporting and the spreading of misinformation. This tabloid-style approach will not work, because for every fake story you report and every false claim you share, we will share the truth.

We will show the world how the protesters are serving meals to the very people who are peppering them with tear gas and soaking them with ice cold water.

We will share images of Hindu, Muslim and Sikhs holding prayers – united.

We will continue to discredit your Kangana’s with our Diljit’s.

You see, there may be more of you and you might have more resources than us, but much like the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas at Thermopylae, we will stand our ground. What differentiates us from the Spartans was that they were led by a man, who although great, is no match for what we are led by:

Love.

Your hate and lies will not win; they do not stand a chance.

You paint these farmers as uneducated simpletons, failing to realize that they made the decision to forgo their education so you and your families could have food on your tables.

Instead of gratitude, you look down on them. Shame on you.

Instead of holding them in high regard for their work ethic, determination and kindness, you attempt to vilify them. Shame on you.

You also fail to realize that although these farmers may not be as educated as you, their supporters are. Behind these men and women stand millions of people who possess all the academic accolades you hold in such high regard, and then some. We will not let you spread lies about them.

But, if after all this, you continue to paint this as a Sikh struggle, then we humbly request that you look at the very first word of our holy scripture, which we are confident you have never even attempted to read, let alone understand.

So let us educate you. The scripture does not begin with a word, but rather a number.

The number 1.
Unity.
Oneness.
Equality.
Love.

That is what this is about, and that is what we will continue to show.