September 09 2026, NAGPUR: Some visits last only a day but open a much wider window. For nearly 50 students from remote and tribal Gadchiroli, their journey to IIM Nagpur for the Media Conclave 2026 was one such experience.

They came to attend discussions on media and leadership; they returned with a closer view of a world shaped by ideas, education, enterprise and public service.

The students from the University Institute of Technology, Gadchiroli, supported by Lloyds, were special participants at the conclave, organised on the theme “Media, Leadership and the New World Order.” IIM Nagpur welcomed them not merely as visitors, but as young participants in the conversations taking place on its campus.

Their day began with the inaugural function presided over by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Shri B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited, was the Chief Guest, while Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, welcomed the dignitaries and participants.

“I was especially happy to see students from the University Institute of Technology, Gadchiroli, at the conclave. For me, their presence made the occasion even more meaningful,” said B Prabhakaran.

As Shri Gadkari, Shri Prabhakaran and Dr Bhimaraya Metri delivered their speeches, the auditorium became a classroom without a conventional syllabus. Through the keynote addresses by media Gurus, these students got the global views about artificial intelligence, media credibility, economic transformation, leadership and development journalism.

Later, the Padma Conclave shifted the conversation from major national issues to deeply personal stories of service. Padma Shri awardees Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, Dr Dhananjay Sagdeo and Shri Subhash Sharma spoke about their work in healthcare, tribal communities and natural farming.  The session, moderated by Prof Prashant Gupta, Dean – Faculty and Academics, IIM Nagpur, allowed the visiting students to see how grassroots service could earn national recognition and inspire others.

Beyond the formal sessions, another important conversation unfolded outside the auditorium.

Members of IIM Nagpur’s Nexus student club accompanied the visitors on a tour of the campus. As they moved through the Institute and interacted with its students, IIM Nagpur became a place they could see closely, experience and, perhaps, imagine themselves being part of one day.

Welcoming the students, IIM Nagpur director Dr Metri said, “Institutions create their greatest impact when they expand the horizons of young people.  I hope this experience strengthens their confidence to dream big, pursue higher education and become leaders who create more leaders.”

By the end of the day, the students had listened to a Union Minister, an industry leader, distinguished journalists and three Padma Shri awardees. They had also walked through the campus of one of India’s leading management institutions and interacted with the students who bring it to life.

LMEL is a fast-growing integrated player in India’s metals and mining sector with operations  spanning iron ore mining, supported by a strong pipeline of downstream steel capacity  expansion. In recent years, LMEL has demonstrated strong growth in production and profitability,  driven by enhanced mining capacities, increasing integration across the steel value chain, and  favourable sector tailwinds.

Rahul Chhaparwal, Partner, Kotak Alts said, “Lloyds has built a strong and scalable mining  platform with a clear path towards integration. Our investment is aimed at supporting the  company’s next phase of growth and capacity expansion, while providing a flexible capital  solution aligned with its long-term objectives. We look forward to deepening our relationship  with the Lloyds Group and partnering with them as they continue to scale the business.”

Mukesh Gupta, Chairperson, LMEL said, “We are delighted to partner with Kotak Alts. This  investment strengthens our capital base as we continue to scale our mining and integrated steel  operations. Kotak’s solution oriented and long-term approach aligns well with our growth plans,  and we look forward to building this partnership as we expand our platform.”

Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited 

Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (“LMEL”), incorporated in 1977, is a Maharashtra-based integrated metals and  mining company and India’s one of the largest iron ore miner. It operates the Surjagarh iron ore mine with a 55  MTPA environmental clearance. The company has built a diversified infrastructure including DRI plants, captive  power generation, a slurry pipeline, and a recently commissioned 4 MTPA pellet plant. LMEL is steadily transforming  into a fully integrated steel producer, backed by a large capex through FY 2029. Its expansion roadmap includes  scaling mining, pelletisation, and downstream steel production capacities. The acquisition of Thriveni Earthmovers  Private Limited has further strengthened its mining integration and operational capabilities. With a strong focus on  sustainability, operational efficiency, and community development, LMEL is positioning itself as a future-ready, fully  integrated metals player in India