Chatra: Winds of change are blowing through Kunda block of the district. For years, people here lived under the long shadow of Maoists. Free of left-wing extremism for a year, its youth are aspiring for govt jobs. Now 79 youths from the block have been selected as Home Guards. Of them, 39 are women. This is the highest-ever recruitment from Kunda block into a uniformed force.For Ravi Teja, 27, his selection marks the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. “The people of Kunda suffered due to Maoist violence for years. My dream was always to wear the uniform and serve the country. I tried several times earlier but could not succeed. When this opportunity came, I trained every day for hours to crack the physical test,” he said.Anamika Kumari, 23, said she trained by running daily on a forest road as there was no playground in the area.For Ashish Kumar Verma, 24, the opportunity is a turning point in his life. Verma’s father repairs bicycles to eke out a living. “My hard work paid off, and I got selected,” he said.Teja, Verma and other candidates took part in the physical and written examination which were held on April 9 this year. While they have received appointment letters, the successful candidates are awaiting call to join training.Saket Kumar Sinha, Kunda block development officer said, “ The recruitment reflects Kunda’s changing face, with development and opportunities gradually replacing the fear once associated with Maoist violence.” Sinha further said the district administration is planning to set up a degree college between Kunda and Hunterganj blocks to expand higher education opportunities in the region.A felicitation ceremony was organised at the Janata High School campus in Kunda on Saturday to honour the newly recruited personnel.
Successful candidates being felicitated on Saturday
