Draft:Om Prakash Sahu

Om Prakash Sahu is an Indian aquaculture entrepreneur and former member of the extremist group PLFI (People's Liberation Front of India) from the Gumla district of Jharkhand. He is best known for transforming his life from a Naxalite rebel to a successful fish farmer, inspiring hundreds of tribal families toward sustainable livelihoods through aquaculture.

Early life

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Om Prakash Sahu was born and raised in a tribal family in the Gumla district of Jharkhand. Growing up in an economically challenged region, he was exposed to hardship and unrest at an early age. Lack of development, limited education, and unstable governance in his area made young people, including Sahu, susceptible to Naxalite recruitment. He eventually joined the PLFI, where he spent several years living a life marked by violence and conflict.

Transition from extremism

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In 2017, after a period of personal reflection and concern for his family's future, Sahu surrendered to the police and left the PLFI. He cited a desire for peace and stability as key reasons for his decision to abandon extremism. After his surrender, he worked closely with local authorities and social development programs aimed at rehabilitating former militants. This phase marked a turning point in his life, as he began searching for sustainable livelihood opportunities to support himself and others in his community.

Fish farming career

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Inspired by the potential of fish farming, Sahu learned the techniques of aquaculture and launched his first fishery unit in Gumla. He began by cultivating rohu, catla, and other freshwater species in government-allotted ponds under Jharkhand’s fisheries development scheme....in 2018. Over time, he expanded his operations, mentoring local youth and creating employment for tribal families. His model focused on training, self-help groups, and the use of sustainable practices that promoted long-term rural development.

Awards and recognition

• Fisheries Champion Award (2023) – Honored by the Jharkhand State Fisheries Department for his outstanding contribution to aquaculture and rural employment generation in insurgency-affected areas.
• Transformational Leader Recognition (2024) – Recognized by local NGOs for successfully transitioning from a Naxalite background to a model rural entrepreneur.
• Livelihood Warrior Award (2024) – Felicitated by the District Administration of Gumla for empowering tribal youth through sustainable fish farming.
• Tribal Empowerment Icon (2025) – Acknowledged by state-level tribal welfare boards for driving awareness and participation in government livelihood schemes.
• Blue Revolution Contributor – Featured in multiple regional and national media outlets as a key contributor to India's Blue Revolution movement in tribal belts.

Social impact

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Beyond aquaculture, Sahu has become a local influencer advocating for peace, education, and skill development among tribal youth. He frequently collaborates with NGOs and district officials to promote awareness about government schemes. His efforts have helped reduce Naxalite recruitment in parts of Gumla and neighboring districts. Through mentorship and community initiatives, Sahu plays a key role in building a self-sufficient and violence-free society in rural Jharkhand.

Media coverage

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His story has been featured in major newspapers such as The New Indian Express, which profiled his transformation in a 2025 article titled "Red Rebel Turns Blue Warrior". Local media outlets have also covered his fish farming activities, including interviews and video documentaries that showcase his work in tribal empowerment and sustainable aquaculture.