From Fugitive to Farmer: Dinesh Gurjar’s Journey to Sustainable Agriculture and Training 500+ Farmers

Dinesh Gurjar’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Once a fugitive involved in the world of crime, drugs, and violence, he has transformed into a role model for sustainable living and natural farming. Today, Dinesh is a thriving natural farming expert, cultivating both land and purpose on his 8-acre model farm near Jodhpur. His journey from infamy to inspiration offers a compelling narrative of redemption, resilience, and reinvention.

A Turbulent Beginning

“I thought I could outsmart the law,” Dinesh Gurjar confesses, looking back on his turbulent past. Growing up in an environment where violence was normalized, he quickly found himself drawn into a life of crime. “In school, I saw constant fights between groups around me. Wrongdoings and fistfights felt normal,” he recalls.

His first brush with the law came in 1970, and over the years, his criminal activities intensified. By the mid-1980s, Dinesh was deeply entangled in the underworld, trafficking drugs and weapons. In 1986, his life took a dark turn when he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, even incarceration didn’t deter him. Dinesh managed to escape prison twice, returning to Mumbai under false identities to continue his illicit activities. His reign of crime came to an end in 2001 when his network collapsed, leaving him no choice but to surrender and serve his sentence.

A Turning Point in Tihar Jail

The turning point in Dinesh’s life came during his time in Tihar Jail, where he enrolled in the Art of Living prison program. “That was the first time I truly reflected on my actions,” he shares. The program, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, introduced him to meditation and the power of mindfulness. It gave him a new perspective and the tools to transform his life.

Motivated by this newfound clarity, Dinesh began working on himself, adopting a healthier mindset and behavior. His efforts were recognized, leading to his early release in 2011. Determined to spread the message of peace and transformation, he became an Art of Living teacher in 2014, inspiring others to overcome challenges and lead meaningful lives.

Dinesh’s Journey into Farming

Dinesh’s exploration of a healthier lifestyle led him to the principles of natural farming. Inspired by the idea of cultivating chemical-free, nutrient-rich food, he started an 8-acre model farm near Jodhpur. His farm, a testament to sustainable agriculture, grows a variety of crops, including pears, wheat, millets, and lemons. By practicing natural farming, Dinesh generates a monthly profit of Rs. 1 to Rs. 1.5 lakh while preserving the health of the soil and environment.

“Everybody wants to eat healthy food but nobody wants to grow healthy food. I want to change this,” he says. Natural farming methods such as mixed cropping, mulching, and microbial solutions like Jeevamrut—made from cow dung, jaggery, and pulse flour—form the cornerstone of his approach. These techniques enrich soil fertility, boost crop yields, and eliminate the need for synthetic chemicals.

A Catalyst for Change

Dinesh’s farm is more than just an agricultural enterprise; it is a hub of learning and transformation. He has trained over 500 farmers in natural farming techniques, hosting many on his farm for months at a time. During their stay, he also teaches the Art of Living’s Sudarshan Kriya, integrating meditation with farming to promote a holistic connection to the land and oneself.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar lauds Dinesh’s efforts, stating, “There is a misconception that only expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides can result in good yields. However, our farmers, trained in natural and chemical-free farming, have shown that natural farming can be just as profitable.” Dinesh’s success exemplifies this truth, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to healthier crops, lower input costs, and improved long-term profitability.

A Legacy of Hope

“Farming has given me the freedom to live meaningfully,” Dinesh reflects. His commitment to natural farming and his community has created a lasting legacy, proving that turning even the darkest past into a beacon of hope is possible. “The journey has been long and difficult, but I’ve always given my 100 percent to whatever I’ve done, be it crime or natural farming,” he says.

Dinesh Gurjar’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible for anyone willing to embrace it. By transforming his life and dedicating himself to sustainable practices, he is not only cultivating crops but also a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.