From guns to gills: Modi hails Gumla's Blue Revolution started by ‘rebel'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
on Sunday named Gumla's Om Prakash Sahu for "leaving illegal revolution and taking the country's 'Blue Revolution' to new heights". Interestingly, Prakash took to "revolution" as a member of the outlawed PLFI, a breakaway faction of CPI(Maoist), but over a decade and a half later, he has become the poster boy for the silent Blue Revolution in Gumla and the country.
In 2008, Basia Block's Sahu was one of the local Gumla youths who took to arms when extremism was at its peak here. On Sunday, PM Modi in his monthly 'Maan ki Baat' talk show, cited how many people like Sahu have shunned the path of violence and are playing a big role in fish farming.
Opening his talk show, Modi said, "Sometimes the most radiant light emerges from where darkness dwells the most. One such example is the Gumla district of Jharkhand.
There was a time when this area was known for Maoist violence. The villages of the Basia block were getting deserted. People lived in the shadow of fear. There was no possibility of employment, lands were lying vacant, and the youths were migrating… but then, a change began quietly.
A young man named Om Prakash Sahu ji left the path of violence. He started fish farming. Then he inspired many friends like himself to do the same."
He added, "His efforts had an immense impact. Those who were taking to guns have now taken up fishing nets. "Friends, Om Prakash Sahu ji's beginning was not easy. There were protests and threats, but his courage did not wane. When the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was launched, he gained new strength. He received training from the govt…and help in making ponds… and within no time, the fishery revolution started in Gumla.
"
He added, "Today, more than 150 families of Basia block have joined fish farming. Many people were once Naxalites, but they are now living a life of respect in their villages and even providing employment to others. This journey of Gumla teaches us – if the path is right and there is trust in the mind, the lamp of development can be lit even in the most difficult circumstances."
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