top of page

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.

Financial challenges can’t deter us: Desale

Rahul Deshpande says one cannot declare that people would not like a film before showcasing it


Rahul Deshpande

Mumbai: The Marathi film ‘Amaltaash’ was supposed to be released in March 2020. “It was the time when Covid pandemic had hit the world. The film was bought by Viacom 18. Our contract was signed. However, later they changed their mind. Satellite channels said they were not sure if the audience will be able to take such a deep and engagingly mature thought,” said Rahul Deshpande.


Written and directed by SuhasDesale, the film stars Rahul Deshpande, Pallavi Paranjape, Pratibha Padhye, Deepti Mate, Trisha Kunte in lead roles. Presented by Mugdha Srikant Desai, produced by Darshan Productions, Medium Strong Productions and One Fine Day, the film is scripted by Suhas Desale and Mayuresh Wagh.


Desale said, “We are still in the process of recovering the cost that was involved in making the film. We are looking for avenues. However, we immensely enjoyed the process of making the film and will not be deterred by the financial challenges coming our way.”


Emerging off beat film makers in the Marathi industry are habitual of struggle that has always been a part of a Marathi artist’s life who wishes to break the stereotype to make content that will make a difference to the audience, more so to the society. While all factors come together to suppress the growth of brilliant experiments, the quality and hard work finds its way to reach out to the masses.


A classic example of this being, the father of Indian cinema- Dadasaheb Phalke who was labelled as “mentally ill” by the society back then, when he gave up all his savings for experimenting with moving images, an initiative that introduced a new concept of cinema to India.


Deshpande said, “One thing is clear from the YouTube response. Audience longs for quality content. You cannot declare that people would not like a film before showcasing it.”


Rahul Deshpande, the grandson of late Vasantrao Deshpande is an established Marathi singer and is a popular face in every Marathi household. ‘Amaltaash’ was not his debut in acting. His work as the protagonist in the popular biographical film “Me Vasantrao” brought immense appreciation for him from all across the Marathi audience.

Comments

bottom of page