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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron...

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and pellet plant. This ‘green steel’ project, part of LMEL’s push for an integrated steel complex in the region, is functioning not just as an industrial unit but as a crucial pillar in the Maharashtra government’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. So far, LMEL, in coordination with the state government and the Gadchiroli Police, has provided employment and training to 68 surrendered Maoists and 14 members of families affected by Naxal violence, a total of 82 individuals, offering them a definitive pathway back to the mainstream. The Shift The transformation begins at the company’s dedicated Lloyds Skill Development and Training Centre at Konsari. Recognizing that many former cadres had limited formal education, the company implements a structured, skill-based rehabilitation model. They are trained in essential technical and operational skills required for plant administration, civil construction, and mechanical operations. For individuals like Govinda Atala, a former deputy commander, the change is palpable. “After surrendering, I got the right to live a new life,” Atala said. “I am very happy to get this job. I am now living my life on my own; there is no pressure on me now.” Suresh Hichame, who spent over a decade in the movement before surrendering in 2009 too echoed the sentiments. He realized the path of violence offered neither him nor his family any benefit. Moreover, his self-respecct was hurt. He knew several languages and carried out several crucial tasks for the banned organization remaining constantly under the shadow of death. Today, he works in the plant, receiving a steady monthly salary that enables him to care for his family—a basic dignity the ‘Red Ideology’ could never provide. The monthly salaries of the rehabilitated workers, typically ranging from Rs 13,000 to Rs 20,000, are revolutionary in a region long characterized by poverty and lack of opportunities. Trust, Stability The employment of former Maoists is a brave and calculated risk for LMEL, an industry that historically faced stiff opposition and even violence from the left wing extremist groups. LMEL’s management, however, sees it as an investment in inclusive growth and long-term stability for the district. The LMEL has emphasized the company’s commitment to training and facilitating career growth for the local populace, including the surrendered cadres. This commitment to local workforce upskilling is proving to be a highly effective counter-insurgency strategy, chipping away at the foundation of the Maoist movement: the exploitation of local grievances and lack of economic options. The reintegration effort extends beyond the factory floor. By providing stable incomes and a sense of purpose, LMEL helps the former rebels navigate the social transition. They are now homeowners, taxpayers, and active members of the community, replacing the identity of an outlaw with that of a respected employee. This social acceptance, coupled with economic independence, is the true measure of rehabilitation. The successful employment of cadres, some of whom were once high-ranking commanders, also sends a powerful message to those still active in the jungle: the path to a peaceful and prosperous life is open and tangible. It transforms the promise of government rehabilitation into a concrete reality. The plant, with its production of iron ore and steel, is physically transforming the region into an emerging industrial hub, and in doing so, it is symbolically forging the nation’s progress out of the ashes of extremism. The coordinated effort between private industry, the state government, and the Gadchiroli police is establishing a new environment of trust, stability, and economic progress, marking Gadchiroli’s transition from a Maoist hotbed to a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

A Man with a Golden Arm and an Even More Golden Heart

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

A Man with a Golden Arm and an Even More Golden Heart

It is rare when an idol becomes a close friend, but Karsan Devji Ghavri, known affectionately as Kadu Bhai, feels more like an elder brother. Even decades after his retirement, Karsan Ghavri remains widely admired, so much so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice offered him a political position, which he declined both times—first while coaching West Bengal’s cricket team and later to care for his ailing 90-year-old mother, Ba.

Hailing from a joint family from Rajkot, Gujarat, Karsan Ghavri started playing cricket at the age of 11 and went on to represent India in the All Schools tournament in Australia. The story is that a Mumbai batsman who heard of this fierce young pace bowler from Gujarat suggested the Mumbai team management import him to Mumbai so that he did not have to face the wrath of his pace, and that is how Karsan Ghavri played for Mumbai and went on to become a “Pakka Mumbaikar.”

His neighbours once ambushed him at a movie theatre with drums and garlands upon hearing of his selection for the Indian cricket team under Tiger Pataudi in 1975. His biggest concern then wasn’t his performance but how to accommodate all 35 relatives eager for tickets to his debut Test match. Kadu Bhai, known for his charm both on and off the field, remained unfazed even when his dalliance with a Pakistani beauty caused a stir. Despite being labelled as “lady killer,” he humbly credits legends like Tiger Pataudi and Salim Durrani as far more charming.

Karsan Ghari holds the record of being the first Indian pace bowler to take 100 wickets, a record that remains unbroken. He represented India for 8 years, playing 39 test matches and 19 one-day internationals. Ghavri was also a skilled spin bowler, often wiping out the opposition so effectively that Captain Bishan Singh Bedi warned him against bowl spinning, even in practice. Among his memorable performances, his dismissal of Greg Chappell and his explosive 86 against Australia are still celebrated after all these years.

Whether at the school, university, Ranji Trophy, or international level, Karsan Ghavri served Indian cricket with distinction. He represented West Zone, Mumbai, and his club with pride. Legend has it that Ghavri lost his spot on the Indian cricket team due to a disagreement with his captain at the time.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Karsan Ghavri has a knack for spotting talent, having discovered Shubman Gill at age 10 and identified Cheteshwar Pujara as a teenager. Many young cricketers who have represented India have played under his guidance, and he remains respected not only for his cricketing prowess but for his gentlemanly demeanour.

Karsan Ghavri ranks Dilip Kumar as 1 to 10 among actors and Sir Gary Sobers as 1 to 10 among cricketers, with everyone else starting from 11. A style icon, Ghavri’s clothes were impeccably tailored. He reflects that, despite earning very little throughout their careers, they wore the finest clothes and dined at the best places, but had no savings.

Earning just a few hundred rupees per day to play a Test for India, Ghavri appreciates how the Board has revolutionised Indian cricket, taking good care of both current and retired players. He recalls that it was a dream to play for India under any conditions—on underprepared pitches, without protective gear, and facing the world’s fastest bowlers. “It was an honour to wear the Indian cap and play for India,” says Ghavri, a proud nationalist.

After 60 years, Karsan Ghavri is bidding farewell to Mumbai, returning to Rajkot, and fulfilling his 90-year-old mother’s dreams. While Mumbai cricket’s loss will be Indian cricket’s gain, his focus includes looking after his mother, being a mentor of the Saurashtra cricket team, and running his upcoming Karsan Ghavri cricket academy in Morbi, Gujarat. With two successful daughters and a son, he remains a devoted family man, never speaking ill of anyone in the 20 years I’ve known him. His unwavering dedication to his family and cricket continues to define him.

He promises to return to Mumbai every month for four days to meet his many friends and fans and to enjoy a round of golf, a game he excels at.

Wishing him the best at his new home, new academy, and Saurashtra cricket.

Kadu bhai, Yaaro ka Yaar

Cheers to a Champion!!

(The writer is a spokesperson for Shiv Sena. Views personal.)

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