The inaugural programme was graced by Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), NTPC Limited, in the presence of Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, and Anurag Gupta, General Manager (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon.

This year’s programme has selected 50 girls from 12 neighbouring schools, an increase of 10 participants over previous editions. The month-long residential initiative is designed for girls aged 10–12 years and focuses on building self-confidence, leadership qualities, life skills and social responsibility. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by the NTPC theme song.

Senior officials, including L. N. Meitei, Commandant, CISF, Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, representatives of unions and associations, welfare organisations, teachers, parents and guardians attended the inaugural ceremony.

The event featured a short film tracing the journey of GEM 2026, vibrant cultural performances by girls from the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club and students of Notre Dame Academy, along with inspiring testimonials from alumni of the GEM 2023 batch. Students also presented a moving performance inspired by the life and ideals of Malala Yousafzai, highlighting the transformative power of education in empowering girls.

Addressing the gathering, Jaikumar Srinivasan emphasised that empowering girls is fundamental to building stronger families and communities. He praised NTPC Bongaigaon for creating a nurturing environment that encourages young girls to realise their full potential. Following the inaugural programme, he visited the residential facilities, interacted with the participants and distributed bicycles to all 50 girls as a gesture of encouragement for their educational journey.

In his address, Arnab Maitra reaffirmed NTPC’s commitment to education, empowerment and inclusive growth, describing the Girl Empowerment Mission as one of the organisation’s flagship community development initiatives that nurtures confident, capable and socially responsible future women leaders.

The four-week residential programme, running from 4 July to 31 July 2026, offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes academic learning, personality development, digital literacy, sports, creative arts, health and wellness sessions, exposure visits and activities aimed at enhancing the participants’ physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, volunteers, welfare organisations and the organising committee for their collective support in making the initiative successful.

Since its launch in 2022, NTPC Bongaigaon has empowered 210 girls, including participants in the current edition. A distinctive feature of the programme is that 10 per cent of participants, selected through an independent evaluation conducted by an external agency, are provided free education at the NTPC township school, enabling deserving girls to continue their studies in a supportive learning environment.

Across the country, the Girl Empowerment Mission has benefited more than 13,000 girls at NTPC locations, reflecting the company’s sustained commitment to gender equality, social responsibility and sustainable community development.

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