Mind-share ..

I grew up in a locality which is a "Mao" area now. The nearby hills and forests, that used to be our picnic spots have become head quarters of Naxalites. The police station in the city has become ammunition center for them, that they rob every once in a while. Life still moves on ! People have accepted the gradual change and occasional firing in the heart of this mountainous town, is part of life now.

However, what surprised me is the mind-share the Naxalites have among people. A lot of sympathy. The legends go that when Naxalites come to rob ammunition to the police station, police makes sure they do not have any issue procuring them.. etc. Some believable and some not so !!

But this one drives it home - there was this district level essay and debate competitions among students that happen on State Day. Very prestigious awards and students treasure them. Last 2 years all the Top award winnings essays and debate speeches are "Pro-Mao" !

Talk about mind-share ..