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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.

Don’t Count Mangoes Before They Ripen

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Every summer, as crates of golden mangoes make their way into homes and hearts, we are reminded of one thing—the good things take time. The sweetness of a mango is earned, not rushed. And in that lies one of the most underrated lessons of investing.


Imagine planting a mango tree. You water it, protect it from pests, and give it sunlight. But no matter how eager you are, you cannot force it to bear fruit in the first year—or even the second. The tree grows at its own pace. But come the right season, with enough patience and care, it gives back—generously.


Investing works much the same way. We start SIPs in mutual funds, buy stocks, or put money into gold and then—like curious gardeners—we start peeking in after a few weeks. Has it grown? Should I book profits? Should I move my money elsewhere? The temptation to “pluck” returns before they are ready is hard to resist.


But pulling out too early can cost you the compounding magic that only time can offer. It is like biting into an unripe mango—sour, disappointing, and avoidable.


The markets will have seasons. There will be rough weather—volatility, corrections, and even dry spells. But if you have planted your financial “tree” in good soil—diversified, goal-aligned, and thoughtfully selected—then your job is to nurture it and let it grow.


Do not mistake movement for progress. Constantly switching funds, timing entries and exits, or chasing short-term trends might feel productive, but often does more harm than good. Sometimes, the best action is waiting.

So next time you are tempted to judge your portfolio in haste, remember the mango. Let it ripen. Let it mature. The real rewards are not in what you see now, but in what patience quietly builds. Because in both mangoes and money, the sweetest outcomes are reserved for those who wait.


What’s the takeaway?

For short-term goals (within three years), use bank RDs/FDs or debt mutual funds. For long-term goals, focus on hybrid/equity mutual funds, direct equities, and gold. Getting this mix right ensures your money works efficiently for your future.


Then, for your long-term investments, do four things:

1. Start sufficient SIPs

2. Increase SIPs every 12 months

3. Do lumpsum investments alongside SIPs

4. Stay invested


And most importantly, ensure you have a trusted financial advisor. Their education, wisdom, expertise, and experience will help turn your financial tree into a fruitful legacy.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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