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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.

Fake Influencing Hurts Personal Brands

Updated: Jan 2

freelance graphic designer

In an era where social media is the go-to platform for showcasing lives, an alarming trend has emerged—people crafting false narratives to mimic influencers. While these curated personas may garner temporary attention, they often erode trust, leaving personal brands in jeopardy.


Consider Bailey, a freelance graphic designer who sought to amplify her presence on social media. Enchanted by influencers who showcased luxury vacations and extravagant lifestyles, she decided to emulate them. Her posts quickly filled with staged photos and captions disconnected from her real life. Initially, her follower count surged, but soon clients started questioning her priorities. Her fabricated online persona clashed with her professional commitments, tarnishing her reputation.


The allure of social media lies in its ability to connect and inspire, yet it often distorts reality. Influencers, armed with professional teams and editing tools, project an idealized version of life that few can genuinely sustain. When people attempt to replicate these images, they risk alienating their authentic selves. This is where personal branding suffers the most.


A personal brand thrives on authenticity. It’s the reflection of your values, skills, and unique identity, both online and offline. While social media can amplify your voice, the message must remain true to who you are. The moment you trade authenticity for imitation, your credibility erodes. Today’s audience, though captivated by glamour, values sincerity even more.


Building a strong personal brand starts with self-awareness. Instead of mimicking others, focus on highlighting what makes you stand out. Are you a problem-solver, a storyteller, or a visionary? These unique traits are your assets. Showcase them consistently and transparently to create a brand that resonates.


The impact of authenticity extends beyond social media. In professional environments, employers and clients often research online profiles before engaging. A cohesive and genuine digital presence fosters trust and opens doors. Conversely, a disjointed or inauthentic persona raises red flags, causing opportunities to slip away.


To counter the pitfalls of social media mimicry, it’s crucial to approach content creation with intention. Share stories that reflect real challenges and victories. Engage with your audience by offering value—be it insights, inspiration, or a glimpse into your process. Authenticity doesn’t mean revealing every aspect of your life; it’s about aligning what you share with your true self.


In the digital age, where perception often precedes reality, authenticity is your superpower. Social media is a tool, not a mirror. Use it to enhance your brand, not dilute it. By embracing your uniqueness, you build a brand that stands the test of time, outlasting fleeting trends and superficial comparisons.


Let Bailey’s story be a lesson. She eventually deleted the exaggerated posts and began sharing genuine content about her creative journey. The result? Clients who appreciated her transparency and followers who found her story relatable and inspiring.


A live example of a similar story as Bailey is me, myself! I personally didn’t like posting on social media at all for that matter. I had a private profile and only posted once in a blue moon. That didn’t quite help me getting a lot many clients. But the moment I identified a fine line of differentiation between how much and what to post, I started getting connected to people globally. Today I serve my clients from 14+ countries and am currently visiting Australia because of my online presence.


As you navigate the noisy world of social media, remember: the most impactful brands are built on truth. When you choose authenticity, you don’t just stand out—you build a legacy of trust and value.


As I travel and explore another part of this world, I shall be sharing insights from my trip too. Connect with me on my social media handles to stay updated with what’s next in store.


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

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