A Naxalite becomes Engineer in Irrigation Dept. and pursuing Ph.D.!

Gaskanti Rajamouli, a surrendered naxalite, is currently pursuing Ph.D. and also working as assistant executive engineer in Irrigation Department

A whimsical decision cost him dear and threw him off balance at a young age. He left his final year engineering to join the armed extremist movement overcome by emotion. Gaskanti Rajamouli, a surrendered naxalite, has a lot to regret about, but nonetheless building an enviable future for himself.

“I was drawn into the Naxal movement while studying BE (Civil) in Osmania University in 1990. I was underground for 16 years before surrendering in 2007,” he told The Hindu.

Warangal Superintendent of Police (Rural) L.K.V. Ranga Rao, presenting the former naxal before the select media persons, said he was OSD of Anantapur when Mr. Rajamouli surrendered.

He had lost track of life and was in dilemma when Mr. Rango Rao guided and encouraged him to continue his studies.

“It was Mr. Ranga Rao who took up the matter, spoke to the then vice-chancellor and the officials of the State government. He ensured my readmission in BE Civil Engineering final year,” Mr. Rajamouli said. He completed BE and ME (Civil) and cleared the APPSC exam in 2012. He is presently pursuing Ph.D. and also working as assistant executive engineer in SRSP Stage II of Irrigation Department at Jangaon town.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ranga Rao said the Andhra Pradesh government has a best surrender policy because of which the surrendered naxals get encouragement to pursue their vocations.

“Youths get drawn into the movement overcome by emotions. But life in the extremist organisations is no different. I also faced discrimination there,” he added.

Source: The Hindu