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.

The post NTPC Bongaigaon launches 5th edition of Girl Empowerment Mission 2026; 50 girls from rural communities begin month-long leadership programme appeared first on Indian PSU CSR.

Implemented under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, Unit Gangapur, Hardoi, the programme aims to expand access to digital education and bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

As part of the initiative, 90 students, including 40 girls and 50 boys from Kursath and 13 surrounding villages, successfully completed the digital literacy training programme. Launched in October 2025, the programme is designed to equip rural youth and women with essential digital skills that are increasingly required in today’s technology-driven world.

The training is conducted inside the World on Wheels Bus, a solar-powered and internet-enabled mobile digital classroom. Participants receive hands-on training in computer operations, internet usage, email communication, file management, and online safety.

During FY 2025-26, the initiative benefited 280 students, helping them enhance their digital awareness and readiness for education, employment, and daily life in an increasingly digital environment.

The valediction ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Tej Narayan Singh, Unit Head; Maan Singh, Gram Pradhan, Kursath; Vikram Singh, Chairman, Nagar Panchayat Kursath; Raj Bahadur, Principal, V.S. Public Inter College; along with members of the Dalmia Bharat Sugar management and the Dalmia Bharat Foundation team.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO of Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said that access to technology and digital skills has become critical for education, employment, and entrepreneurship in today’s digital-first world. He congratulated the students for successfully completing the training programme and taking an important step towards a brighter future.

He further emphasized Dalmia Bharat’s commitment to ensuring that rural youth and women have access to the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age, adding that the organization remains proud to support young learners in their journey of growth and progress.

The World on Wheels initiative reflects Dalmia Bharat Foundation’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion by bringing technology-enabled learning opportunities directly to underserved communities. By expanding access to digital education and developing future-ready skills, the Foundation continues to empower rural youth and women, creating pathways for greater socio-economic participation and sustainable development.

The post Dalmia Bharat Foundation Empowers Rural Youth Through Digital Literacy Initiative in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh appeared first on Indian PSU CSR.