In the remote village of Tallur, nestled within Odisha’s Koraput district, Luku Darua has emerged as a beacon of hope amid daunting challenges. Surrounded by Maoist-infested territories and threatened by the forest mafia, Luku and his fellow villagers embarked on a mission to protect their ancestral forests. Armed only with water bottles and sticks, they formed the Forest Protection Group, determined to safeguard their precious natural resources.

Despite facing adversity, Luku, a 21-year-old student pursuing his education in the Maoist-dominated Malkangiri district, took on the mantle of leadership. Recognising the symbiotic relationship between the forest and their community’s livelihood, he rallied the villagers to join him in the fight against deforestation.

Their journey was not without challenges. Convincing apprehensive villagers to confront the timber mafia required patience and perseverance. Yet, Luku’s unwavering commitment and vision for a sustainable future resonated with his community. Together, they imposed stringent penalties for unauthorised tree felling and collaborated with local authorities to push back against encroachment.

Luku’s story exemplifies the power of grassroots activism and community mobilisation in the face of adversity. As he prepares to graduate, he creates a legacy of environmental activism and empowerment, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect their natural heritage.