NTPC Bongaigaon, in collaboration with the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, successfully organised a two-day Anand Mela on February 1 and 2, 2026 under the evocative theme “Junaki Mon”, celebrating the light, love and joy embedded in Assam’s rich musical heritage. The event paid tribute to the state’s iconic musical legacy while showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural and entrepreneurial spirit.
The mela was inaugurated by Arindam Sinha, Regional Executive Director (ER-II & SR), NTPC Limited, in the presence of Arnab Maitra, Business Unit Head, NTPC Bongaigaon; Rupali Sinha, President, Vasudha Mahila Mandal (ER-II) and Dakshin Deepanjali Mahila Samiti (Southern Region), NTPC Limited; and Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC Bongaigaon. Senior dignitaries including Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon, along with representatives of unions, associations and welfare bodies, were also present.
The Anand Mela emerged as a vibrant confluence of culture, innovation and community participation, featuring over 30 stalls offering traditional delicacies from across the North-East and beyond, curated by members of the Ladies Club. Visitors also explored stalls showcasing ethnic handicrafts, handlooms, organic food products, and finely crafted cane and bamboo furniture.
Life-size selfie stands of Assam’s musical icon Zubeen Garg, honouring his immense contribution to Assamese music, along with creatively designed selfie points featuring traditional instruments such as the Pepa and interactive “Know Your Music” installations placed across the venue, became major crowd-pullers.
Special stalls by the Entrepreneurship Development Centre of Self-Help Groups undergoing skill development at the NTPC Bongaigaon township showcased sustainable products made from areca, while eco-friendly toy stalls by Zankla Studio attracted significant attention.
Pankaj Chakravarty, District Commissioner, Kokrajhar, visited the mela and appreciated the craftsmanship while sampling the diverse regional flavours. Stalls by NTPC’s medical, IT and safety departments, Self-Help Groups from across the North-East, and automobile companies from Bongaigaon and other parts of Assam reflected the region’s growing entrepreneurial dynamism.
Addressing the gathering, Arindam Sinha highlighted NTPC Bongaigaon’s contribution towards ensuring reliable power supply to the region and the nation, while appreciating the initiative for bringing together families, vendors and stakeholders, and encouraging sustainable practices rooted in local traditions. Arnab Maitra acknowledged the collective efforts of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club under the leadership of Kasturi Maitra in making the event a success, noting that the theme seamlessly aligned music, cultural identity and regional heritage. Earlier, Kasturi Maitra delivered the welcome address, highlighting the mela’s objective of promoting welfare initiatives and contributing meaningfully to society.
Cultural performances by troupes from the Bodoland Territorial Region and across the North East added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations, with special performances by local artists from Guwahati captivating audiences. Samannay Sanskriti Gosthi, a cultural troupe from Guwahati, delivered a distinctive performance showcasing traditional musical instruments and their cultural significance. Game stalls managed by NTPC employees, musical performances by employees and family members, and enthusiastic participation from Bal Bhawan created an atmosphere of joy and inclusivity.
As part of a meaningful CSR initiative, NTPC Bongaigaon distributed educational kits and winter wear to 48 girls under the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), reaffirming its commitment to education, skill development and gender equality.
The event was further graced by J. K. Brahma, the first Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with Harani Brahma, the first President of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club; L. N. Meitei, Commandant, CISF; Shri Ashish Kumar, Dy Commandant, CISF; Amit Kumar Asthana, AGM (HR), NTPC Bongaigaon; officials from district and state administration; Heads of Departments; and representatives of unions, associations and welfare bodies.
The Anand Mela reflected NTPC Bongaigaon’s sustained focus on employee engagement and well-being under its wellness policy “Ahwahan”, while strengthening community connect, promoting local talent and celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Assam and the Bodoland Territorial Region. Through such initiatives, NTPC continues to deepen its bond with the community while contributing to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
