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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

The Iron Ore Revolution

Gadchiroli transforms from ‘Red Corridor’ to steel hub Gadchiroli: Once synonymous with the shadow of the Naxal insurgency, Gadchiroli is undergoing an unprecedented and rapid transformation, poised to emerge as a powerhouse of the Indian steel industry and a model for socio-economic development. With security issues largely contained, the district is now witnessing a massive Rs 3 lakh crore investment pipeline, signaling a monumental shift from conflict to commerce. District Collector...

The Iron Ore Revolution

Gadchiroli transforms from ‘Red Corridor’ to steel hub Gadchiroli: Once synonymous with the shadow of the Naxal insurgency, Gadchiroli is undergoing an unprecedented and rapid transformation, poised to emerge as a powerhouse of the Indian steel industry and a model for socio-economic development. With security issues largely contained, the district is now witnessing a massive Rs 3 lakh crore investment pipeline, signaling a monumental shift from conflict to commerce. District Collector Avishyant Panda detailed the comprehensive development agenda, underscoring that the focus has squarely moved to building world-class industry and infrastructure, matched by crucial human resource development. The heart of this transformation is the colossal investment in steel production, leveraging the district’s rich iron ore deposits. The combined efforts of major industrial players are set to make Gadchiroli a steel manufacturing giant. JSW Steel is setting up what is projected to be the world’s biggest single-location steel plant, with a massive capacity of 25 MT (Million Tonnes). Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. has already commenced operations, establishing a 10 MT steel plant at Konsari, while Surjagadh Ispat is adding to the capacity with a committed 5 MT plant. The total planned production capacity of 40 MT in the coming years will not only generate significant wealth from the district’s natural resources but also anchor a vast auxiliary industrial ecosystem. “The district that was once being ruled with the barrels of a gun is now rapidly transforming into an advanced hub that thrives on the riches gained from the iron ore,” Collector Panda asserted. Infrastructure Leap Crucial to sustaining this industrial boom is a massive upgrade in connectivity, which has long been a major bottleneck. The long-awaited Railway link is soon expected to bring Gadchiroli onto the national rail map, drastically reducing logistics costs and time for the heavy steel industry. The district administration has already identified three locations for the construction of an airport. A final clearance and nod from the Ministry of Aviation is anticipated soon for one of these sites, which will facilitate rapid movement of VVIPs, critical goods, and eventually, commercial traffic. Digital Integration To ensure no corner of this vast district (which is comparable in size to the state of Nagaland) is left behind, a massive digital push has been executed. Mobile towers have been erected across all 1,550 hamlets in over 450 gram panchayats, with an additional 550 towers set up along key roads, ensuring robust communication and online service delivery. Skilled Manpower While security and infrastructure challenges are being systematically resolved, the single biggest issue that remains is the availability of skilled manpower to service the highly technical steel and allied industries. Recognizing that human capital is the critical factor for sustaining the district’s monumental industrial investment, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, has embarked on an ambitious global partnership to cultivate a highly skilled local workforce. The university, in collaboration with the private sector and a leading international institution, is transforming its academic focus to directly align with the demands of the emerging Steel Hub of India. The linchpin of this strategy is the formation of a University Institute of Technology (UIT) in Gadchiroli. This institute, established with the full financial backing and corporate social responsibility commitment from Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, is primarily dedicated to providing free diploma-level technical education to tribal and economically disadvantaged students from the district’s most remote areas. A landmark agreement has been signed with Curtin University, Australia, a globally renowned institution particularly strong in mining studies. This tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gondwana University and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd aims to combine global academic rigour with local employment opportunity. The new UIT is currently offering three specialized, industry-relevant diploma courses: Mining Technology, Steel Technology, and Computer Science with Mining Applications. Each stream is designed to enroll 30 students in its initial phase, with the curriculum being jointly developed by the academic and industry partners to ensure the training is both theoretically sound and commercially applicable. Formation of District Transformation Committee (DTC) provides a crucial institutional framework for coordinating the implementation of key central and state schemes, specifically focusing on skill development, education, and health to fast-track the district’s comprehensive development. New Horizons The developmental model is deliberately holistic, encompassing agriculture and social infrastructure. Progressive farmers, with active support from the district administration, are experimenting with high-value crops like Water Chestnut and Strawberry, moving beyond traditional paddy farming to explore profitable agricultural diversification. The Ekal Training Centres are undertaking a unique program aimed at empowering Gram Sabhas (Village Councils) to enhance and sustainably manage forest produce, ensuring that the tribal populace receives the maximum benefit from their natural wealth. Social Infrastructure Upgrade The education and health infrastructure is seeing a significant overhaul. New hospitals are being established in the remotest areas, with much of the funding and support coming directly from the industries setting up base in the region, creating a true public-private partnership for social good. Gadchiroli’s story is no longer one of adversity, but a vibrant narrative of economic resurgence, connectivity, and development. The collective focus on capitalizing on its mineral wealth while simultaneously nurturing its people’s skills and social well-being marks the dawn of a new, industrial era for this once-neglected frontier.

Cruise Control in Personal Branding

Updated: Dec 2, 2024

Personal Branding

While I was driving home with my dad the other day, he was driving the car on cruise control mode and that’s when I thought - if a car can work on cruise control, what about our personal brands?


Personal branding for business owners and professionals can often feel like an uphill drive. It requires navigating competition, adjusting to market trends, and maintaining your unique identity. Imagine, however, if you could manage this journey with the same ease as engaging cruise control on a highway—consistent, smooth, and goal-oriented. This analogy brings a fresh perspective to how you can take control of your brand without burning out or losing direction.


Cruise control in personal branding doesn’t mean taking your hands off the wheel entirely. It’s about setting the right pace and ensuring a steady presence that reflects your authentic self. In branding terms, this means having a clear vision of who you are and where you’re heading. Take, for example, a business owner who posts regularly on LinkedIn about leadership insights. Their consistency builds recognition, trust, and credibility over time, making their audience associate them with thought leadership in their field.


However, cruise control also requires flexibility. Roads aren’t always straight and smooth, and neither is your personal branding journey. The ability to adapt and shift gears when necessary is vital. Trends change, industries evolve, and so should your approach. If a working professional clings to outdated communication styles or avoids digital platforms, they risk becoming irrelevant. A modern, adaptable brand is one that stays in touch with its audience while evolving with the times.


Authenticity is the fuel that powers your cruise control. A strong personal brand isn’t just about appearing polished or successful; it’s about being real. People value connection, and nothing resonates more than a person who is confident in their unique story. Take the example of an entrepreneur who shares their challenges openly—clients and partners often trust them more because their honesty makes them relatable and human.


Yet, cruise control is also about balance. Overexposure or an overly aggressive approach can lead to fatigue—for you and your audience. A sustainable branding strategy includes knowing when to accelerate and when to let things run at a steady pace. Posting too often, for instance, might dilute your message, while prolonged silence could make people forget your presence. Striking the right balance ensures your brand remains top-of-mind without overwhelming your audience.


Imagine a CEO who takes time to speak at industry events, mentors upcoming professionals, and shares authentic insights about leadership online. Their branding is thoughtful and wellpaced, reflecting their values and expertise while connecting with people at various touch points. This balance builds a brand that feels natural yet impactful, positioning them as a leader who is both aspirational and approachable.


In the fast-paced world of business, cruise control in personal branding is not about coasting passively. It’s about driving with purpose, consistency, and a readiness to adjust as the road ahead changes. When done right, your brand becomes your most valuable asset—a force that drives opportunities and builds lasting relationships.


Remember, personal branding is a journey, not a destination. The road may have twists and turns, but with the right mindset and strategy, you can steer through confidently and leave a mark that lasts long after the journey ends.


Are you wanting to put your personal brand on cruise control but haven’t started at all yet? You may feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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