Bhopal — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, highlighted a remarkable grassroots success story from Gumla, Jharkhand — a district once known for Maoist violence, now emerging as a hub for aquaculture.
He told the story of Om Prakash Sahu, a youth from Basia block, who chose fish farming over militancy. His brave decision gradually inspired others, including former Maoist cadres, to leave violence behind and pursue peaceful, sustainable livelihoods.
Sahu’s efforts, aided by government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, have led to the creation of fishponds, skill development programmes, and financial assistance, reshaping the local economy.
“More than 150 families, once entangled in conflict, are now earning through aquaculture in their own villages,” the PM stated. “Where there is faith and the right path, development is inevitable.”
Modi underlined that the transformation of Gumla exemplifies how government initiatives and personal determination can lead to real change — turning despair into dignity and violence into opportunity.
With inputs from IANS