Launched at Umang Bhawan, the month-long residential programme aims to nurture confidence, education, and life skills among participants. Since its inception in 2018, GEM has positively impacted 736 girls from nearby districts and aligns closely with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.

Transformative Initiative Gains Momentum

The programme was inaugurated by Gaurav Benal, Collector & District Magistrate, Singrauli, in the presence of KM Shiyaz, Superintendent of Police, and Saumya Mishra, along with senior NTPC officials led by Sanjib Kumar Saha.

The event witnessed participation from CISF representatives, school principals, and media, highlighting a unified commitment toward social transformation through girl child empowerment.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Ruma De Sharma, Head of HR (Vindhyachal), noted that GEM, which began as a pilot initiative in the Vindhya region, has now been replicated across 50+ NTPC stations nationwide, reflecting its impactful outcomes.

Focus on Holistic Development

Addressing the gathering, Sanjib Kumar Saha emphasized that the initiative has significantly transformed participants through a blend of:

• Academic enrichment
• Life skills training
• Physical fitness
• Personality development

Assistant Collector Saumya Mishra lauded NTPC’s efforts, while SP KM Shiyaz stressed the importance of breaking gender stereotypes and empowering girls to overcome societal barriers.

In his keynote address, Gaurav Benal encouraged participants to dream big and make full use of the programme to shape their future.

Cultural Showcase and Community Engagement

The inaugural ceremony featured:

• A soulful Ganesh Vandana by DPS students
• Inspiring testimonials from GEM alumni
• Screening of a short film on GEM 2025 and teaser for GEM 2026
• Cultural performances centered on girl empowerment

The event concluded with felicitation of performers, a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony to welcome the new batch, and a vote of thanks delivered by Pranav Verma, AGM (HR).

Strengthening Inclusive Development

Through initiatives like GEM, NTPC Vindhyachal continues to position itself as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable community development, going beyond power generation to create meaningful social impact.

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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.

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