Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Singrauli-based subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has once again demonstrated its commitment to youth development through the remarkable success of its annual summer camp, ‘Aarohan 2026’, which witnessed the participation of more than 4,700 children from Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts.
Organised from May 21 to June 10, 2026, the 21-day camp is designed for children aged 7 to 14 years, offering a structured and inclusive platform that combines sports, arts, culture, and personality development. Over the years, Aarohan has evolved into one of the region’s most impactful youth engagement initiatives.
From CSR Initiative to Community Movement
Launched in 2018 as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Aarohan began with just 1,200 participants and 46 coaches. In its seventh edition, the camp has grown nearly fourfold, reflecting the increasing trust of parents and the wider community.
Of the 4,700-plus children enrolled this year, 2,149 are wards of NCL employees, while 2,569 children belong to surrounding peripheral villages and communities, underscoring NCL’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
Professional Training Across 13 Disciplines
Participants are receiving expert coaching in 13 sports, artistic and cultural disciplines, including:
- Football
- Cricket
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
- Kabaddi
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Skating
- Swimming
- Judo and Karate
- Music & Dance
- Arts & Crafts
Training is being imparted by NCL employees who have excelled at Coal India and PSU-level competitions. Activities are being conducted at specialized facilities across NCL areas and units. While swimming sessions are held at the modern facility in Jayant, Kabaddi training is centered at the Kakri Area, ensuring participants benefit from quality infrastructure and expert guidance.
Focus on Holistic Personality Development
Beyond sports and recreation, Aarohan aims to nurture well-rounded individuals. Dedicated sessions throughout the camp focus on developing essential life skills such as:
- Leadership
- Self-confidence
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Positive values and character building
The initiative seeks to prepare children not only for competitive success but also for responsible citizenship and future leadership roles.
Alumni Making Their Mark Nationally and Internationally
The impact of Aarohan is evident in the achievements of its trainees.
At the 12th Mount Everest International Karate Championship 2026 in Nepal, Aarohan participants competed against athletes from seven countries and secured:
- 2 Gold Medals
- 2 Silver Medals
- 1 Bronze Medal
- 3 Participation Awards
Similarly, at the 61st Madhya Pradesh Athletics Championship 2025, Aarohan-trained athletes won 20 medals, including:
- 5 Gold
- 4 Silver
- 11 Bronze
In addition, more than 50 players have represented their regions at Senior and Junior National and State-level Kabaddi tournaments, while six badminton players have earned selection at national and state levels.
A Model for Youth Empowerment
The steadily rising enrollment and the success of its alumni highlight Aarohan’s growing reputation as a premier platform for youth development in the Singrauli-Sonbhadra region. By combining sports excellence, creative expression and personality development, NCL is helping shape confident, disciplined and talented young citizens, reinforcing its role as a socially responsible corporate committed to community transformation.
