Santosh and Veeru Return to School, Target Higher Studies

Santosh joined the Naxal ranks in 2008 after family hardships forced him to abandon primary school. While in the forest, he was given a second chance to study and, after surrendering in 2025, he sat for the Class‑10 exam, obtaining 308 marks and a pass. He now plans to appear for Class‑12 and later either take up farming or start his own small enterprise.

Veeru, also known as Ramdhur, entered the movement in 2009 and completed a fourth‑grade exam while incarcerated. After his release in March 2024, officials encouraged him to enroll in an open school. He studied intensively, scoring 256 marks and securing a second‑division pass in Class‑10. Veeru’s future goals include completing higher education, returning to agriculture, and eventually launching a personal business.