The valedictory ceremony was graced by Arnab Maitra, Executive Director & Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Maitra described GEM as a reflection of NTPC’s commitment to creating opportunities for young girls and enabling them to realise their potential. He appreciated the confidence and talent displayed by the participants through their cultural presentations and interactions.

Maitra highlighted how the four-week residential programme provided the girls with opportunities extending beyond classroom learning. Through educational exposure, creative activities, sports, interactions, workshops and experiential learning, the participants were encouraged to become more confident, expressive and independent. He also thanked the parents, teachers, district administration and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful conduct of GEM 2026.

Earlier, Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the objectives of the Girl Empowerment Mission and the efforts made to provide the participants with a safe, engaging and nurturing environment. He acknowledged the active involvement of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, GEM Committee members, faculty members, coordinators and various departments of NTPC Bongaigaon in making the programme successful. He also proposed the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to everyone associated with the month-long initiative.

The nearly two-hour cultural programme showcased the skills and confidence acquired by the girls during their stay. The performances included a skit based on noted athlete Hima Das, fusion dance, Assamese Bihu, Bodo folk dance, group songs, mime show, yoga presentations and a grand finale celebrating women’s empowerment. An exhibition featuring handmade art and craft items created by the participants during GEM was also organised alongside the programme.

The formal de-registration and handing-over of the participants to their parents/guardians was conducted on 1 August 2026. As part of the culmination of their GEM journey, certificates and framed photographs capturing memorable moments of the programme were presented to the participants. The concluding activities were held in the presence of Arnab Maitra; Anurag Gupta, General Manager (O&M); Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR; distinguished guests, representatives of unions and associations, faculty members, GEM Committee members and coordinators from Tanvi Consultancy Limited.

Conducted from 3 July to 31 July 2026, GEM offered a comprehensive mix of academics and co-curricular learning. Academic inputs included English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science and vernacular languages, complemented by sessions in computer literacy, life skills, yoga, dance, theatre, mime, sports, art and craft, clay and pottery painting, self-defence and other creative activities.

The girls also participated in a range of experiential and awareness-based programmes during the month. Sessions on fire and safety by CISF personnel, health and hygiene by medical professionals, environmental awareness, sports, plantation, public speaking and interactions with role models added to the residential learning experience. Educational and exposure visits further helped the participants explore areas beyond the conventional classroom environment.

GEM 2026 also marked an expansion of the programme at NTPC Bongaigaon, with the annual intake increasing from 40 to 50 girls. With the completion of this year’s edition, NTPC Bongaigaon has empowered 210 girls from communities in and around the station since commencing GEM in 2022.

Launched by NTPC in 2018, the Girl Empowerment Mission has grown into a major residential empowerment initiative for young girls, reaching more than 16,000 participants across the country. Through GEM, NTPC seeks to nurture confidence, creativity, knowledge, leadership and aspirations among young girls while providing them with opportunities to discover their abilities and dream of a wider world.

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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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He was warmly received by Sanjib Kumar Saha, Head of Project (Vindhyachal), in the presence of AJ Rajkumar, General Manager (O&M), and Ruma De Sharma, Head of HR (Vindhyachal). The occasion was also graced by Dr Rajesh Mishra, Member of Parliament (Sidhi), and Gaurav Benal, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate of Singrauli, along with other distinguished dignitaries.

The interaction with the GEM girls was candid, engaging, and deeply inspiring, reflecting the core spirit of the flagship initiative focused on empowering young girls through education, exposure, and confidence-building.

During the session, the Hon’ble Chief Minister lauded NTPC Limited Vindhyachal for its sustained commitment to social development through impactful CSR initiatives. He encouraged the participating girls to pursue their dreams with confidence, resilience, and determination.

The Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), a flagship CSR initiative of NTPC, continues to make a meaningful difference by nurturing the potential of young girls and equipping them with the tools to build a brighter future.

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The session aimed to educate young girls about common causes of fire accidents while equipping them with essential preventive and emergency response skills. The interactive training was conducted by V.S. Yadav, Inspector (Fire) from CISF, who provided practical insights into fire safety protocols.

Participants were given a live demonstration on the correct use of fire extinguishers, along with detailed guidance on evacuation procedures and immediate response techniques during fire emergencies. The hands-on experience generated significant enthusiasm among the girls, making the learning both engaging and impactful.

The session also witnessed the presence of members from the CSR team, highlighting NTPC Vindhyachal’s continued focus on holistic development and safety awareness under the GEM 2026 initiative.

Through such initiatives, NTPC Vindhyachal continues to promote not only education but also life-saving skills among young participants, ensuring their preparedness in real-life emergency situations.

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The session was graced by Atul Kumar Khandelwal, Khalid Mohtaram Ahmad and Manoram Tiwari, who engaged with the participants in an interactive and awareness-driven dialogue.

During the session, the dignitaries sensitised the girls on critical issues including child rights, the provisions of the POCSO Act, Good Touch & Bad Touch, as well as emerging concerns around social media frauds and data security. The speakers emphasised the importance of awareness, confidence and speaking up against any form of harassment or uncomfortable behaviour.

The participants were also encouraged to make the most of the GEM platform for their future career development and overall personality enhancement.

The programme was conducted in the presence of Sanjib Kumar Saha and Ruma De Sharma, along with senior officials from HR, CSR and Law departments.

Such initiatives continue to enrich GEM 2026 with value-based learning and awareness-driven engagement, further strengthening the station’s resolve towards the holistic empowerment and well-being of every participant.

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