From a Remote Village in Gadchiroli, Ignasiyus Prakash Bada becomes the first graduate of Lloyds Infinite Foundation's Curtin University Sponsorship Programme

Gadchiroli, September 11th, 2026: For Ignasiyus Prakash Bada, studying abroad was once a distant possibility. Growing up in Bande, a remote village near the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mine in Gadchiroli, in a family of seven, higher education abroad was a distant dream. His mother Sarita is an Anganwadi helper, while his father Prakash is a farmer.

Today, Ignasiyus has completed his Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and has returned to Gadchiroli to begin his professional journey with Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) as a Management Trainee. He is the first student from the inaugural batch of the Lloyds Infinite Foundation's Curtin University Sponsorship Programme to complete his studies.

The opportunity came through a scholarship programme initiated by Lloyds Infinite Foundation, the CSR arm of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, to support promising students from the region to pursue higher education and gain international exposure. The programme covered Ignasiyus's tuition fees, accommodation, travel and living expenses.

Reflecting on his journey, Ignasiyus said, "This is a dream come true. Coming from Bande, the opportunity to study in Australia and experience a completely different educational and cultural environment has changed my perspective, confidence and aspirations. I am grateful to Mr. B. Prabhakaran for the support and trust that made this possible and for giving students like me an opportunity to pursue aspirations we may never have thought of. Returning home and beginning my career here is a meaningful part of this journey for me."

The milestone also reflects a commitment made by Mr. B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, in 2023 to create opportunities for local youth to access higher education and encourage them to contribute to the development of their home region.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. B Prabhakaran said, "This is a proud moment for all of us. When we started this programme, we made a promise to create global opportunities for our local youth and encourage them to return and contribute to the development of Gadchiroli. Ignasiyus has shown that this promise can become a reality. His journey from Bande to Curtin and back to Lloyds will inspire many youngsters from the region. This is just the beginning."

Ignasiyus's story from a farming and Anganwadi family in a remote village, to a university in Australia, and now back home as a young professional mark the first journey completed under the sponsorship programme and sets an example for other students from the region.

About Lloyds Infinite Foundation

Lloyds Infinite Foundation is the CSR arm of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, with initiatives focused on education, healthcare, skill development and sustainable development in Gadchiroli and surrounding communities.

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