NTPC Bongaigaon concludes fourth edition of Girl Empowerment Mission, uplifting 40 young lives through education and culture

THEBUISNESSBYTES BUREAU

BONGAIGAON, JULY 31, 2025

NTPC Bongaigaon concluded the four-week-long Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2025 under the Prime Minister’s flagship programme *Beti Bachao Beti Padhao* on 30th July, 2025, with a vibrant cultural programme and de-registration ceremony at its Salakati township. The event marked the successful completion of a transformative residential initiative for 40 young girls from neighbouring communities.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Arindam Sinha, Regional Executive Director (ER-II), NTPC Limited, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Sinha described GEM as a shining portrayal of NTPC’s commitment to fostering positive change, uplifting spirits, and empowering young girls to realise their full potential. He praised the exceptional talent of the participants, who enthralled the audience with a diverse cultural presentation.

Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon and Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of providing holistic experiences to the girls. He emphasised how outbound learning, creative activities, and interactive sessions enriched their personal growth. Maitra also thanked parents, teachers, and the district administration for their unwavering support. He elaborated on the programme’s objectives and noted that GEM transcends statistics, leaving behind stories of transformation, hope, and rekindled dreams.

Adding to the occasion, NTPC Bongaigaon distributed bicycles to the girls to support their journey towards independence and ease of access to education.

Rupali Sinha, President, Vasudha Mahila Mandal, ER-II, commended NTPC Bongaigaon’s meticulous planning and acknowledged the proactive involvement of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club in creating a nurturing atmosphere for the participants. Amit K. Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, delivered the vote of thanks, recognising the contributions of various departments.

The two-hour-long cultural programme featured diverse performances including a skit on the Mahabharata, Operation Sindoor act, fusion dance, Assamese Bihu and Bodo folk dances, group songs, yoga displays, and a grand finale on women’s empowerment. A handmade crafts exhibition prepared by the participants was also organised on the sidelines.

During the de-registration ceremony, certificates and framed photographs of their journey were presented to the girls by Arindam Sinha, Arnab Maitra, Rupali Sinha, Kasturi Maitra (President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club), and other club members.

The GEM 2025 programme, conducted from July 1 to July 29, and culminating with the de-registration on July 30, provided academic inputs in Hindi, English, Mathematics, Science, and Vernacular Languages, alongside training in life skills, yoga, dance, computers, crafts, clay and pottery painting, and sports. Sessions on fire safety by CISF and menstrual health awareness by medical professionals further enriched their experience.

Exposure visits to Masanda M Pertin, District Commissioner’s Office, SSP Pushpraj Singh’s Office, SAI, and Bodoland Silk Park gave the girls valuable real-world insights. Notable visitors included NTPC leaders Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel); Meenakshi Srivastava, Senior Member, Sanyukta Mahila Samiti; Rachana Singh Bahl, Executive Director (Strategic HR and Talent Management); Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; and Kabita Deka, ACS, Additional District Commissioner, Kokrajhar.

With GEM 2025, NTPC Bongaigaon has now empowered 160 girls from its surrounding areas since 2022, with 40 girls enrolled each year. Launched in 2018, NTPC’s GEM initiative has empowered more than 11,000 girls nationwide, with NTPC Bongaigaon hosting the programme for the fourth time.