Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) has marked a historic milestone in its corporate social responsibility journey by sponsoring 24 students from Gadchiroli for higher education at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. The students were handed over the boarding pass at the hands of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Managing Director, LMEL, B Prabhakaran during the valedictory session of Advantage Vidarbha 2026. Gadkari in his address also lauded the initiative and expressing confidence that soon Gadchiroli may see universities of international standards. Following the commencement of full-scale operations at the Surjagad iron ore mines, LMEL, under the leadership of B Prabhakaran, has translated industrial growth into long-term social impact through global education opportunities for local youth.

 

The initiative fulfills Prabhakaran’s commitment made on March 4, 2024, to bridge rural Maharashtra with international academic excellence. Expressing his views at the Advantage Vidarbha 2026, he said the programme reflects his responsibility towards the people of Gadchiroli and his determination to create sustainable futures for a region long affected by extremism. At Curtin University the students will be persuing education in engineering and management, added Prabhakaran. Under the “Lloyds–Curtin Fully Sponsored Educational Programme,” LMEL is covering 100 per cent tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel, and administrative costs. Implemented through the Lloyds Infinite Foundation, the programme focuses on identifying deserving students from grassroots communities and empowering them to become future leaders.