12 Gadchiroli Youth Head To Perth Under Lloyds Fellowship

Nagpur: Once confined to small tribal hamlets and remote settlements in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli, 12 students will now fly to Curtin University in Perth, Australia, under the Lloyds Fellowship programme, marking a transformative moment for one of Maharashtra's most backward districts.Union minister Nitin Gadkari, while felicitating the students at the closing ceremony of Advantage Vidarbha, said Gadchiroli's journey from deprivation to global opportunity reflected a dramatic socio-economic shift. "If someone had told me 10 years ago that students from Gadchiroli would go to Australia for higher education, I would have laughed at the absurdity of the idea. Today, that very dream is being fulfilled," Gadkari said.Describing Gadchiroli as once being synonymous with Naxalism and extreme poverty, Gadkari recalled how residents in some areas were forced to consume red ants due to a lack of basic food resources. "This was a district that was socially and educationally backwards. Today, it is an aspirational district, and this moment is historic for its students," he said.Highlighting the region's development potential, Gadkari said investments worth nearly Rs7.5 lakh crore are expected in Gadchiroli, particularly due to its rich iron ore reserves. "If this momentum continues, I won't be surprised if Australian institutions themselves set up campuses in Gadchiroli someday," he remarked.Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd managing director B Prabhakaran said all 12 students selected under the fellowship hail from tribal backgrounds and have undergone rigorous academic and language training. "They are headed to Curtin University, which is among the world's best institutions for civil engineering, metallurgy and alloy studies. This is our second batch — 12 students were sent earlier as well — and we are committed to nurturing local talent for global exposure," he said.Speaking to TOI, Aditi Sahare, who will pursue a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, described the selection process as demanding and life-changing. "Out of nearly 200 applicants, only 40 were shortlisted for interviews, and 27 were selected for further training. We were coached extensively in English and prepared for IELTS. Clearing it and being chosen to go abroad feels unreal," she said.For Shivam Gandewar, who will study BBA, the journey marks his first-ever flight. "I have never boarded an aeroplane before, let alone travelled outside India. I am nervous but also very excited about what lies ahead," he said.Another student, Krutik Bhadnekar, who will pursue a master's degree in civil engineering, said coming from a tribal area like Chamorshi, Australia was a giant leap. "Gadchiroli is developing rapidly. Youngsters like us must go out, learn globally, and return to contribute to the region's growth," he said.