HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, July 31: The Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2025, a flagship initiative under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” programme, concluded at NTPC Bongaigaon, Salakati, with a cultural programme and de-registration ceremony held on July 30.
The four-week residential programme benefitted 40 girls from neighbouring communities, aiming to foster self-reliance, education, and empowerment.
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The valedictory ceremony was attended by Shri Arindam Sinha, Regional Executive Director (ER-II), NTPC Limited, as chief guest.
In his address, Sinha described the initiative as a symbol of NTPC’s commitment to social upliftment and praised the participants for their spirited cultural performances.
Guest of Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, highlighted the programme’s emphasis on holistic learning, combining academics, arts, sports, and life skills.
He also acknowledged the support of parents, teachers, and the district administration.
As part of the closing event, NTPC Bongaigaon distributed bicycles to the participants, furthering their access to education and mobility.
Rupali Sinha, President, Vasudha Mahila Mandal (ER-II), commended the role of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club in ensuring a supportive environment for the participants.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Amit K Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon.
The concluding cultural showcase featured skits, including one on the Mahabharata and Operation Sindoor, alongside Bihu and Bodo folk dances, yoga demonstrations, and group songs. A handicraft exhibition displaying the girls’ creations was also organised.
Certificates and framed photographs were presented to participants by the chief guests, including Kasturi Maitra, President of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, along with other dignitaries such as Shri Anurag Gupta, General Manager (O&M), union representatives, and faculty from Tanvi Consultancy Limited.
The programme ran from July 1 to 29, offering academic instruction in multiple subjects, life skills training, yoga, computers, crafts, clay work, and sports.
Enrichment sessions included fire safety demonstrations by CISF and talks on menstrual health by medical professionals.
Exposure visits to key government offices and industrial sites further broadened the girls’ perspectives.
Notable visitors during the programme included Masanda M Pertin, IAS, Kokrajhar DC; Pushpraj Singh, IPS, SSP Kokrajhar; Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel), NTPC; Ms. Rachana Singh Bahl, ED (Strategic HR and Talent Management), NTPC; Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; and Kabita Deka, ACS, Addl. DC, Kokrajhar.
Since its launch in 2018, the NTPC GEM initiative has empowered over 11,000 girls nationwide.
NTPC Bongaigaon has conducted the programme for the fourth time, reaching a total of 160 girls from the surrounding areas since 2022.
