RAIPUR: The chatter of little children has replaced the rattle of gunfire in the heart of insurgency zone in Bastar. CRPF has opened a school in Tekulguda — the site of the massacre of 29 jawans in April 2021 and lair of dreaded Maoist commander Hidma.
Named ‘CRPF Gurukul‘, it’s for students from classes 1 to 5, and offers not only academic learning but also sports facilities.
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Tekulguda is in a densely forested region, around 450km from Raipur and thus far in desperate need of basic facilities. The establishment of a police camp, with a detachment of CRPF CoBRA commandos, proved to be the gamechanger.
Roads and electricity have finally reached these parts, and now there’s a primary school. There is optimism that Gurukul will be upgraded to accommodate students up to the 12th grade.
The establishment of the ‘Gurukul’ is part of a broader initiative by the security forces, who began marking their presence strongly here in 2024. Since the area came under the control of forces, CRPF’s 150th Battalion took the initiative to improve access to education.
The single-storey school was built near the security camp, and a local youth was hired to teach the children.
According to CRPF officials, the lack of development and education in Maoist-prone areas have one of the biggest challenges in tackling the insurgency. Using their own resources, 150 Battalion set up this school as a beacon of hope for local children and represents the dedication of the central forces, said an officer, adding that it has set a precedent for community-driven educational development.
Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said two Gurukuls have been opened the in past few months in Tekulguda and Puwarti, Hidma’s native village, and 40-50 children from surrounding villages have enrolled.
“In 2024, security camps were opened in Tekulguda and Puwarti. There was initial resistance by villagers and Maoists opened fire at the camps, but now the locals are very happy with the camps as they feel connected with govt and its facilities through the Niyad Nellanar scheme,” SP Chavan said.
In 2021, Tekulguda was the site of a devastating ambush by Maoists that claimed the lives of 29 CRPF personnel. The insurgents also kidnapped a CRPF commando, who was later released. Recovering from its tragic past, the area is now seeing a renewed focus on education and development.
The responsibility of educating children is currently handled by CRPF personnel, but plans are in place to transition to local teachers. In addition to textbooks, school uniforms, and shoes, the children are being trained in volleyball, football, and basketball, alongside yoga, to ensure their overall development.
Once infamous for being a stronghold of Naxal violence, Sukma now sees a new narrative emerging — one of education and hope. The ringing of school bells now replaces the sounds of conflict.
CRPF’s efforts are transforming this once-volatile area into a centre of education and community service, offering a brighter future for the children of Tekulguda and its surrounding villages.
