NTPC Bongaigaon formally launched the 5th edition of its flagship Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2026 with great enthusiasm on 4th July 2026. The inaugural programme was graced by Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), NTPC Limited, in the presence of Shri Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon; Smt. Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club; and Shri Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon.
Continuing its commitment to the holistic development of young girls from rural communities, GEM 2026 has selected 50 girls from 12 nearby schools, marking an increase of 10 participants from previous years. The month-long residential programme focuses on nurturing self-confidence, leadership qualities, life skills, and social responsibility among girls aged 10–12 years. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the rendition of the NTPC theme song, symbolising the organisation’s enduring commitment to progress and empowerment.
The event included senior officials, such as Shri L. N. Meitei, Commandant, CISF; Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR; and representatives of unions and associations, welfare bodies, teachers, parents, and guardians of the participating girls. The programme featured a short film showcasing the journey and preparations for GEM 2026, a vibrant cultural performance by the welfare girls of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club and students of Notre Dame Academy, and inspiring testimonials by alumni of the GEM 2023 batch, who shared their transformational experiences and achievements after participating in the initiative. Students also staged a thought-provoking performance on the importance of educating the girl child, inspired by the life and ideals of Malala Yousafzai, highlighting education’s transformative power in empowering young girls.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan underscored the importance of empowering girls as a means of building stronger families and communities and lauded NTPC Bongaigaon for creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for the participants. He later visited the residential facilities, interacted with the girls, and distributed bicycles to all 50 participants as a gesture of encouragement and support for their educational journey.
In his address, Shri Arnab Maitra reaffirmed NTPC’s commitment to education, empowerment, and inclusive growth, describing GEM as one of the organization’s flagship initiatives that shapes confident, capable, and socially responsible future women leaders.
Scheduled from 4th – 31st July 2026, the four-week residential programme will provide a life-enriching experience through academic learning, personality development sessions, digital literacy, sports, creative arts, health and wellness programmes, exposure visits, and activities aimed at enhancing the participants’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders, parents, teachers, volunteers, and organising committees for their support in making the initiative a success.
Since the programme’s inception in 2022, NTPC Bongaigaon has empowered 210 girls, including the current edition’s participants, reflecting its sustained commitment to nurturing young talent from rural communities. A unique feature of the initiative is that 10 per cent of the participants, selected through an independent evaluation process conducted by an external agency, are provided free education at the township school. This opportunity enables deserving girls to continue their academic journey in a conducive learning environment, further strengthening the long-term impact of the Girl Empowerment Mission.
Having empowered more than 13,000 girls across NTPC locations nationwide, the Girl Empowerment Mission continues to reflect NTPC’s commitment to social responsibility, gender equality, and sustainable community development, inspiring young girls to dream bigger, realise their potential, and emerge as future leaders of society.
