Eight former Naxalites from the Bastar region, who previously operated in the jungles with weapons, have now chosen a new path using books and pens. These former militants successfully passed the 10th-grade exam this year through the Open School of Chhattisgarh state.
Bhaskara's participation in this group is particularly noteworthy; he was previously a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee.
After their renunciation, these former militants began changing their futures through education. Their story demonstrates how they are starting a new life by acquiring new skills and continuing their studies after returning to mainstream society.
Among these former Naxalites is Gita Narote. While in the organization, she provided medical aid to other Naxalites. In the jungles, she acquired knowledge in first aid, including suturing, injections, and medication use, earning her the nickname 'Naxi doctor' within the organization.
Gita, originally from Gharchirauli in Maharashtra state, dropped out of school after the sixth grade due to family circumstances. She then joined the Naxalite organization and spent about two decades in the forests. After renouncing her involvement, she resumed her studies and successfully passed the 10th-grade exam this year. She hopes to become a nurse by continuing her education.
Bhaskara's story, a resident of Telangana, is also linked to the long history of the Naxalite movement in Bastar. He joined the organization in the 90s as a rank-and-file member. However, over time, his responsibilities within the organization grew, and he reached a significant position such as a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. Bhaskar remained a well-known figure among the Naxalites in Bastar for a long time.
Due to his role in the organization and his weapon handling skills, Bhaskara was occasionally entrusted with major tasks. But while in the forest, Bhaskar also started communicating with Hindi and books. He learned Hindi during his time in Bastar. After renouncing, he continued this interest, passing the 10th-grade exam through the Chhattisgarh Open School and achieving first-class success. Bhaskar stated that he knows many ways to handle weapons, which is why he was entrusted with big responsibilities in the organization. Now, he wants to make books his weapon.
Sannu's story, a resident of Kanker district, is similar. He joined the Naxalite organization observing the injustice and problems faced by people in his area. In the organization, he received training in modern and heavy weaponry and gradually rose to the level of a commander. Sannu trained not only members of the organization but also villagers and young cadres. After renouncing, he decided to resume his studies. He passed the 10th-grade exam through the Chhattisgarh Open School and also succeeded. Now, he wants to work for the good of society by continuing to learn.
The Bastar police also played a significant role in encouraging renounced Naxalites toward education. According to IG of Bastar, Badrinarayana Mina, under Chhattisgarh's rehabilitation policy, renounced Naxalites are provided with education according to their interests and abilities. The Inspector stated that those who showed no interest in studying were given the option to take exams voluntarily. He specified that eight renounced Naxalites passed the 10th-grade exam through the open school, and all of them succeeded. Among them were six from Bastar, one from Kanker, and one from Bijapur.