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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.

Travel-Savvy Personal Branding Tips

Updated: Dec 19, 2024

Personal branding

Personal branding is not confined to boardrooms, LinkedIn profiles, or carefully curated Instagram feeds. For business owners and professionals, it’s a living, breathing identity that travels with you. Whether you're sealing a deal at an international conference or relaxing on a beachside vacation, your brand is in motion, speaking volumes about who you are.


Travel presents unique opportunities to enhance personal branding—both online and offline. It’s not just about visibility but about consistency and authenticity in how you present yourself. A strong personal brand transcends locations, creating an impression that resonates long after the moment has passed.


Consider a business owner attending an overseas trade expo. Every interaction, from their handshake to how they navigate cultural nuances, contributes to their personal brand. Their choice of words, punctuality, and ability to adapt showcase professionalism. Following up with a thoughtful LinkedIn post sharing insights from the event extends their impact, merging offline actions with online visibility. This synergy strengthens their reputation, making them memorable to everyone they meet.


Even leisure trips are an opportunity to reinforce your brand. Imagine posting a reflection on how visiting a local artisan’s workshop inspired new ideas for your business. Such stories show curiosity and thoughtfulness, traits admired by clients, peers, and followers alike. Your audience doesn’t just see you as a professional; they see a dynamic individual who values growth and exploration.


But personal branding on the go isn’t limited to social media. Authenticity in real-world interactions plays a crucial role. How you engage with hotel staff, speak to a local vendor, or respond to travel challenges like delays speaks volumes. People notice how you behave in unguarded moments, and these instances often leave lasting impressions.


Your physical presence also shapes your offline branding. Dressing appropriately, carrying yourself with confidence, and managing travel inconveniences with grace reflect a brand that is polished yet approachable. Even something as seemingly small as choosing quality luggage can subtly reinforce an image of reliability and attention to detail.


On the digital side, staying consistent while traveling is essential. Schedule posts in advance or share snippets of your journey to keep your audience engaged. A simple photo with a thought-provoking caption can humanize your brand, showing that while you’re dedicated to your work, you also value balance and new experiences.


Let’s look at an example. A tech entrepreneur visiting Japan shared a post about how the country’s commitment to precision and minimalism inspired him to refine his business processes. The post resonated with his audience, not just because of the travel experience but because it tied seamlessly to his brand values. This blend of observation and connection left a lasting impression.


Ultimately, personal branding during travel is about crafting a narrative that aligns with your values. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being real. Every gesture, every interaction, and every post contributes to a larger picture - a brand that is dynamic, trustworthy, and memorable.


As you pack your bags for your next trip, remember: your brand is traveling with you. Every destination offers an opportunity to reinforce who you are and what you stand for. By embracing authenticity and staying intentional in your actions, you not only enhance your personal brand but create an impact that transcends borders, leaving a mark wherever you go.


Stay tuned to my upcoming articles 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.


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

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


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

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