Three former Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region have taken a major step towards rebuilding their lives after clearing the Class 10 examination with first-division marks. After giving up the path of violence and surrendering, the three are now pursuing education and planning new careers.
Geeta Narote, 35, Arjuun Oyam, 32, and Santosh Achala, 31, cleared the Class 10 examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh State Open School. Their success comes after years in which their association with the Maoist organisation prevented them from completing formal education.
According to Bastar Police, 210 former Maoists surrendered and joined the mainstream in 2025 under the government's rehabilitation programme. Of these, seven appeared for and cleared the Class 10 examination, while three Narote, Oyam and Achala secured first division.
Narote, who said she had previously been a member of a divisional committee of the Maoist organisation, now hopes to become a nurse. She said she was unable to study during her childhood but now wants to make full use of the opportunity to continue her education.
“I could not study when I was young. Now, I do not want to lose this opportunity and want to make the most of it,” Narote said.
Oyam and Achala had previously received education at a Maoist political school. Following their surrender and rehabilitation, however, they resumed their studies in a formal and democratic educational environment.
Oyam has set his sights on becoming a teacher. He wants to return to his village after completing his education and encourage children there to attend school and build better futures.
Achala has chosen a different path. He plans to pursue higher education and eventually work in business and agriculture. His goal is to build a livelihood through legitimate work after leaving his previous life behind.
The Chhattisgarh administration said education has become an important part of its rehabilitation efforts for former Maoists and people who were previously associated with Maoist activities. Under the programme, beneficiaries are being provided access to educational opportunities along with the resources required to continue their studies.
Rehabilitation centres are also providing study materials free of cost and creating an environment intended to help former Maoists pursue education and develop new skills.
The stories of Narote, Oyam and Achala highlight the challenges of rebuilding one's life after leaving an armed movement. For them, passing Class 10 is not simply an academic achievement but also a step towards pursuing careers and reconnecting with their communities.
From a life associated with the Maoist movement to classrooms, examinations and career plans, their journey represents a significant change in direction. Their next goals nursing, teaching, business and farming reflect their efforts to establish new identities and livelihoods after surrendering and joining the mainstream.
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