Raipur, Feb 21 (IANS): Super 30 founder and mathematician Anand Kumar on Saturday urged a group of youths in Maoist-affected area of Dantewada to give up arms and take up the pen to script a new story of peace and prosperity by getting educated.

Kumar addressed the youths during a programme when he visited the conflict-ridden region with state Chief Minister Raman Singh.

Sharing his example as to how he became a teacher despite being poor, Kumar said that education can bring about a generational change and help bridge the gaps in the society.

"All the problems in the world originate due to four-five reasons, these are: Illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, mindless violence etc. If we observe, all have their genesis in lack of education.

"It is lack of education that breeds inferiority complex which later manifests itself in different ways," he said talking to IANS later.

"Maoists are also human beings and they also look for a decent and peaceful life like any other person. I'm confident that they would also like their children to join the mainstream and enjoy a peaceful living, away from the shadow of guns," he added.

Kumar, a math prodigy, has been conducting a test for kids from unprivileged background every year since 2002 to select the 30 most talented children, whom he prepares for the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).