Education emerged as a powerful weapon in the ideological fight against Naxalism; now, a Naxal-free Bastar is witnessing a new era of learning and development
Teachers Who Kept Education Alive in Bastar Hailed as Real Heroes
Jagdalpur:- On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to teachers across the region, describing them as the most important force in shaping society and building the future of the nation.
Paying tribute to the contribution of teachers on the birth anniversary of eminent educationist and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Kashyap said Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder of the immense respect owed to teachers and the transformative power of education.
Highlighting the unique challenges faced by teachers in Bastar, the MP said educators in remote and Naxal-affected areas had performed their duties under extremely difficult circumstances. During the peak of Naxal violence, when fear prevailed in several areas, schools were targeted and attempts were made to disrupt children’s education, many teachers continued to visit villages and educate children despite the risks.
“Teachers in Bastar turned education into a powerful weapon against Naxalism. Their courage and commitment ensured that the flame of learning did not go out even during the darkest period of violence,” Kashyap said.
He noted that several teachers lost their lives while performing their duties, but the educational journey they had initiated never stopped. Their sacrifice and dedication demonstrated that violence and the threat of guns could not permanently deprive children of their right to education and a better future.
Education Became a Powerful Ideological Challenge to Naxalism
Kashyap said Naxalism was not merely a problem of violence but also an ideology that sought to keep Bastar’s children away from education, development and the mainstream.
“By connecting children with books, knowledge and learning, teachers provided the strongest ideological challenge to this mindset.
Education strengthened democratic values, constitutional awareness, development-oriented thinking and the spirit of nation-building among the younger generation,” he said.
The MP said Bastar is now moving decisively away from the shadow of Naxalism and towards a new phase of development and educational progress. Areas that once lived under the fear of guns and violence are now witnessing the expansion of schools, roads, electricity, mobile connectivity and new development opportunities.
Focus on Quality Education in Remote Areas
Mahesh Kashyap said the collective resolve should be to ensure that no child in Bastar is deprived of education merely because of geographical remoteness or the difficult circumstances of the past.
He stressed the need to expand quality schools, ensure adequate teacher availability and provide modern educational facilities in remote and formerly Naxal-affected areas.
Referring to the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Kashyap said education is not merely a means of employment but the foundation of character-building and nation-building.
Paying tribute to all teachers on Teachers’ Day, MP Mahesh Kashyap said those educators who kept the torch of education burning even during the difficult years of Naxal violence would always be remembered as the true heroes of Bastar.
“Now, it is our collective
responsibility to use the light of education to build a developed, educated and empowered Bastar,” he said.
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