Malkangiri (Odisha): Surya alias Ashok, a hardcore Maoist of Odisha's Malkangiri district, who had surrendered before the police, is now an ideal auto driver.
Like the Sun which lights up the world, Surya has now emerged as a ray of hope for the commuters of Malkangiri.
According to locals, whether one has money in the pocket or not, one can safely travel to any part of the town from Malkangiri bus stand in Surya's auto.
After working for five years in the Maoist organization, a great change came in his life in 2017 when he surrendered before the police in order to enter the mainstream of the society.
Read: Ola driver arrested for killing 4 puppies in Odisha
He then purchased an auto-rickshaw with the financial assistance received from the Govt. and soon turned out as an ideal auto driver in his area.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Surya said, "When I had surrendered, I got the assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh from the government. I purchased an auto on instalment. I charge a nominal fare to the poor passengers and college students and earn around Rs 600-700 per day,"
The local auto union has enrolled an ideal person like Surya as a member without taking any donation.
It is to be noted that he has emerged as an ideal auto driver leaving aside his Naxalite ideals of the past. There is no doubt that his ideals have become examples for others who have embraced the Maoist culture.
