Jharkhand’s Om Prakash Sahu, praised by PM Modi, shares his success story

In the recent episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about Om Prakash Sahu, a man from Kumhari village in Gumla district, Jharkhand. He praised Sahu for his inspiring journey—from a troubled past to becoming a symbol of progress. Sahu’s village Basia was once affected by Maoist violence, but now things are changing, thanks to government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Sahu’s Difficult Beginning

Om Prakash Sahu said his journey was not easy. In the beginning, he faced many problems and threats. But he did not give up. His life changed when the PMMSY scheme started. It gave him hope, training, and support. With help from the district government, he built fish ponds and began fish farming. Slowly, he became a role model in his area.

Sahu said, “Gumla had many problems because of Maoist violence. There was no development or jobs. People were scared. We started fighting back in 2008, but I lost many friends.”

He added, “Then Jyoti Lakra told me about the PMMSY scheme. I started fish farming. Now I earn well. I want to tell young people—don’t go towards violence. There is a better way.”

From Fear to Progress

In 2008, Basia’s villages were empty. Fields were unused, and young people were leaving to find jobs. Maoist groups controlled the area, and people lived in fear. But slowly, things began to change.

Sahu, who was once close to violence, chose peace and progress. He started fish farming and inspired others to do the same. Many former extremists also joined this peaceful work, leaving behind violence. This change helped the whole area grow, both socially and economically.

Support from the Government

The local administration also helped. The then Deputy Commissioner Aradhana Patnaik gave gun licenses to peace committee members like Sahu, so they could protect themselves and their villages from militants.

District Fisheries Officer Kusum Lata said, “It’s a proud moment for us. Om Prakash Sahu and others are great examples of how fish farming can give people a good life. It’s amazing to see their success.”

About the PMMSY Scheme

The PMMSY was started by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to support fish farming in India. The goal is to start a “Blue Revolution”—a movement to grow the fisheries sector in an eco-friendly, profitable, and inclusive way.

The total budget for PMMSY is Rs 20,050 crore, running from 2020–2025. In the 2023–24 Union Budget, an extra Rs 6,000 crore was added to support fish vendors, fishermen, and small businesses, helping improve the supply chain and market reach.

A Region Transformed

Because of this scheme, over 150 families in Basia are now doing fish farming. The area, once known for violence, is now becoming known for peace and self-dependence. This change is thanks to the hard work of people like Om Prakash Sahu, and the support of government schemes that aim to improve lives in rural India.