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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