Showing the way: Tribal youth educates surrendered naxals

Malkangiri: A tribal youth of Murdakhol village in Malkangiri district, who had been eking out a living from farming despite being highly qualified, recently got a job to teach surrendered Maoists.

The job has been offered to Deba Sodi, an M,Phil degree holder, by Malkangiri SP Jagmohan Meena after media reported about his plight.

Though he acquired the top degree in Political Science from Berhampur University, he was dependent on agriculture or was working as a daily wage labourer for a living due to non-availability of job.

Meena said, “We will provide all necessary help to Sodi to become independent and succeed in his life.”

At present, Sodi is teaching 182 surrendered Maoists who have been enrolled for IGNOU courses.

Sodi said he wants to help tribal youth to get educated and become self-sufficient.

He stated, “After getting education, the surrendered Maoists will be able to sustain their family well.”

One of the surrendered Maoists, Anand Sodi, said, “As Deba is teaching us in our own language, we find studies interesting.”