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 initiative aims to provide experiential learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and is expected to benefit more than 50,000 tribal students studying in Eklavya schools spread across 19 states and Union Territories.

Senior BPCL officials, including D. Parthasarathy, Executive Director (HRS), Rajesh Tikhe, DGM (Finance-CSR), and Shivani Yadav, Assistant Executive (CSR), were present during the inauguration ceremony.

Hands-On Learning in Space Science and Technology

The project has been implemented by BPCL in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The Space Labs have been developed under the technical guidance of agencies accredited by Indian Space Research Organisation, ensuring high-quality educational infrastructure and training support.

These laboratories are designed to provide tribal students with practical exposure to cutting-edge scientific disciplines, enabling them to understand complex concepts through hands-on learning.

50,000 Tribal Students to Benefit

According to BPCL, the initiative will directly benefit approximately 50,000 students enrolled in 75 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the country.

The Space Labs will offer learning opportunities in:

• Aerospace
• Astronomy
• Satellite Technology
• Robotics
• Space Science
• Emerging Technologies and Innovation

The initiative is expected to spark scientific curiosity and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology and research.

President Calls for Expansion of Scientific Education

Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the transformative role of scientific education in empowering young minds and fostering inclusive national development.

She emphasized the need to establish more such laboratories across the country so that a larger number of tribal students can access advanced scientific learning opportunities and participate in India’s technological progress.

The President described science and technology-driven education as a powerful instrument for social empowerment, innovation and nation-building.

BPCL Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Development

BPCL stated that equitable access to quality education and modern technology is essential for building an inclusive and future-ready India. Through its CSR initiatives, the company continues to invest in education, skill development and community empowerment programs aimed at creating sustainable social impact.

The company believes that initiatives such as Space Labs help cultivate scientific temper, creativity and innovation among students while opening new pathways of opportunity for underprivileged communities.

Strengthening India’s Scientific Future

Education experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that early exposure to space science, robotics and emerging technologies can significantly enhance students’ interest in scientific research and high-technology sectors.

The establishment of these Space Labs represents an important step toward ensuring broader participation of tribal communities in India’s rapidly advancing scientific and technological ecosystem, while supporting the nation’s vision of inclusive growth and innovation-led development.

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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.

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The project has been initiated under the guidance of WCL’s Director (Human Resources), Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, with a focus on promoting self-reliance and social reintegration among patients. As part of the initiative, modern machinery has been provided for activities such as agarbatti (incense stick) making, mop production, disposable plate manufacturing, and embroidery work.

These vocational activities are expected to equip patients with employable skills, enabling them to generate income and rebuild confidence while facilitating their gradual reintegration into society.

Senior officials from WCL, including General Manager (CSR) G. Sitaraman, attended the launch event along with his team. The programme also saw participation from key stakeholders of the Regional Mental Hospital, including Medical Superintendent Dr. Pankaj Bagde and Medical Officer Dr. Dengre.

Representatives from Ananyata Foundation, including Director Dr. Abhishek Marmad and Praveen Kakde, were also present at the occasion. They highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening mental health rehabilitation frameworks and providing patients with meaningful opportunities for recovery and independence.

The initiative reflects WCL’s continued commitment to community welfare and underscores the critical role of CSR in supporting mental healthcare and rehabilitation efforts in India.

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