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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.

Seen or Just Judged?

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“They just don’t get it.” That’s what 24-year-old Riya told me after yet another office meeting where her suggestions were overlooked. Her enthusiasm was mistaken for inexperience. Her energy, for entitlement. An hour later, one of her older colleagues muttered something that’s becoming all too common: “These Gen Z kids have no clue how the real world works.”


It’s a quiet conflict bubbling under the surface — a clash of outlooks, expectations, and definitions of success. While Gen Z is often branded as entitled or distracted, they’re also bold, expressive, and unafraid to question outdated norms. On the other side, Millennials are juggling responsibilities while trying to stay relevant in a world that suddenly feels like it’s moving too fast. Older generations, meanwhile, carry years of experience but now face the pressure of adapting to systems they never imagined they’d need — from social media etiquette to Slack culture.


Everyone feels misunderstood. Everyone feels like they’re not being seen the way they want to be. It’s ironic. Because the one thing that could help bridge these gaps is the very thing many still dismiss as “just for influencers” — personal branding.


But personal branding isn’t about filters or logos. It’s about clarity. It’s about making sure your presence matches your potential. It’s about how people feel after they’ve worked with you, spoken to you, or simply heard your name. And in a workplace divided by generations, that clarity is your greatest strength.


Take Riya, for instance. She wasn’t wrong in her ideas — in fact, they were future-forward. But the way she presented them lacked context. She assumed everyone would understand her perspective because it made sense to her. On the flip side, her manager, a seasoned professional, failed to acknowledge her effort because he was too focused on structure and protocol. Both were right. Both were wrong. What was missing wasn’t skill — it was the story they were telling through their actions, tone, and presence.


Personal branding gives each individual a chance to shape their narrative before others do it for them. It’s not about loudness — it’s about intentionality. When someone knows what they stand for, they become easier to understand, collaborate with, and trust — regardless of age or experience.


And no, building a personal brand doesn’t mean becoming a content creator. It means knowing what matters to you, how you work best, what kind of impact you want to leave behind, and then showing up in ways that reflect that — consistently. It’s about being remembered not just for your work, but for your presence, your approach, and your values.


In a time where generations feel more divided than ever, personal branding offers a rare bridge. It humanizes. It connects. It shifts the focus from age to value, from perception to presence.


The truth is, we don’t need Gen Z to “calm down” or Millennials to “speak up” or Gen X to “get with the times.” We need everyone to be seen and heard — clearly. That clarity starts with self-awareness and flows into how we present ourselves in every interaction, every email, every meeting.


What I’ve learned working across age groups is this: people don’t want to be labelled. They want to be understood. And the fastest way to be understood is to first understand who you are — not just to yourself, but to others. Because in a world full of noise, the clearest voice is the one that knows who it is—and dares to be understood. That’s what personal branding does. It gives you the language, the energy, and the tools to build relationships that last beyond roles, titles, or trends. Whether you're just starting out or carrying decades of experience, your brand is the one thing that truly belongs to you. Make it count.


I know it gets difficult at times juggling between situations but its never too late to make the first move. Want someone to rely on and help you through this journey? Feel free to connect with me

LinkedIn: DivyaaAdvaani

Instagram: @suaveu6

Youtube : @suaveu (Suave U- DivyaaAdvaani )


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

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