Once a dreaded Maoist, now a farmer leader - Meet Odisha's Sukhadev

With an aim to fight against the system for the welfare of his people, a man from Odisha once took the path of barbarity by joining the red rebels. But soon, he realised that it's non-violence and not violence that can ensure peace and prosperity.

Sukhadev, who was once a Maoist leader, is now the voice of farmers in Odisha's Malkangiri district. Leaving behind his violent past, Sukhadev has not only returned to the mainstream but also taken up the cause of people. He is now the chairman of Kalimela Lamps, Malkangiri.

His life (so far) can be divided into three parts- a Maoist, a farmers and a farmers' leader. So, what led to the drastic change in Sukhadev?

Sukhadev as a Maoist and the Change:

In 2002, Sukhadev joined the ultras and continued with the ideology of the Maoists and became a face of terror in Malkangiri and Keonjhar districts.

However, he no longer has to spend sleepless nights in the woods as he put down his arms in 2016 after having an encounter with the TRUTH. 

“I came to know that development is not possible with Maoist activities. Subsequently, I surrendered before the then Malkangiri SP,” said Sukhadev.

He continued: “Since then, I have been taking up farm activities and now, I am the chairman of the Kalimela Lamps. I want to help farmers in all possible ways.”

What do others say about him?

Sukhadev is now leading a happy family. "We have high hopes and that's the reason why we voted for him. We believe that he will work for us and the development of people," said Mala Madhi, a resident of Kalimela.

After coming to the mainstream, Sukhadev has been so much humble to the people that they have now elected him their representative, said Balabhadra Deep, Additional SP Malkangiri.

Sukhadev is a burning example of service to humanity and an eye-opener to those who nurture the ideology that violence can bring change and develop society, he added.