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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.

If You’re Not Searched, You Don’t Exist

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Every day, millions of people type questions, ideas, and problems into Google, hoping to find solutions. Some topics become the most searched on the internet, shaping conversations, businesses, and even careers. What does this mean for you as a professional or business owner? A lot more than you might think. The way the world searches affects not just global trends but also individual personal brands. And if you’re not paying attention to this, you might be losing out on credibility, authority, and opportunities—without even realizing it.


Imagine two professionals in the same industry. One understands what people are searching for, aligns their personal brand with those discussions, and contributes valuable insights. The other ignores it, assuming their expertise alone is enough to stand out. Who do you think gets more visibility, recognition, and opportunities? The answer is obvious. Today, personal branding isn’t just about what you know—it’s about knowing what the world is talking about and positioning yourself as a relevant voice in that conversation.


Google searches reveal what people care about, what concerns them, and what excites them. If you strategically align your personal brand with trending topics, you become more discoverable, relatable, and in demand. It’s why some thought leaders dominate their industries while others, equally skilled, remain invisible. The difference? One speaks directly to what the world is already interested in. This isn’t about chasing trends mindlessly but about positioning yourself as the go-to expert for the right topics at the right time.


Let’s say you’re a business coach, and a sudden surge in searches shows that people are desperately looking for guidance on navigating AI in their careers. If you recognize this trend and share valuable insights on LinkedIn, create a webinar, or even write an article addressing their concerns, you instantly become more relevant. When people search, they find you. When they read your content, they start seeing you as an authority. And when they need professional help, guess who they’ll think of first?


This applies to professionals as well. Suppose you’re a corporate leader, consultant, or freelancer. If you ignore what your industry is searching for, you might keep speaking about things that are no longer as relevant. But if you understand the most searched topics, you can shape your personal brand to stay ahead. The key is to consistently create content, share insights, and engage in discussions around what truly matters to your audience right now.


And here’s where the real power lies: credibility and visibility compound over time. When you repeatedly show up in conversations people are already invested in, you don’t just attract attention—you build trust. The more people see your name attached to valuable insights, the more they recognize you as an industry leader. This leads to speaking opportunities, collaborations, media features, and business growth. Meanwhile, those who fail to adapt become obsolete.


The real question isn’t whether Google trends impact personal branding—it’s whether you’re willing to leverage them to your advantage. You can either stay ahead of the game by being part of the conversation or risk fading into the background while others take the spotlight. The choice is yours.


If you’re serious about elevating your personal brand and ensuring you remain relevant in a world driven by online conversations, I can help. As a mentor, I work with professionals and business owners to strategically position themselves where opportunities exist—before everyone else catches on. Let’s make sure you’re seen, heard, and remembered for the right reasons.


In order to do a quick reality check, I’d like you to search your name on google and see whether or not you/your profile shows up. Check what is the ranking of your profile and what are the relevant topics your profile is being showed under. Interesting, isn’t it? Let me know on:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suaveu6


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

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