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KOKRAJHAR: NTPC-Bongaigaon of Kokrajhar district concluded the four-week-long Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM), 2025 under Prime Minister’s flagship programme ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ on July 30 with a cultural programme and de-registration at its Salakati township, marking the successful completion of a transformative residential programme for 40 young girls from nearby 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 realize their full potential. He lauded the exceptional talent of the participants, who enthralled the audience with a vibrant cultural presentation.
Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTP-Bongaigaon, serving as the guest of honour, highlighted the importance of providing holistic experiences to the girls. He emphasized how outbound learning opportunities, creative endeavours, and interactive sessions during the four-week stay enriched their personal growth. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to parents, teachers, and the district administration for their continued support. Maitra welcomed the gathering and elaborated on the programme’s objectives and underlined how GEM transcends statistics, leaving behind stories of transformed lives, hopeful smiles, and rekindled dreams.
Adding to the moment, NTPC-Bongaigaon facilitated the distribution of bicycles to the girls, supporting their journey towards independence and accessibility.
Rupali Sinha, President, Vasudha Mahila Mandal, ER-II, appreciated NTPC-Bongaigaon’s meticulous arrangements for the programme and acknowledged the active role of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC-Bongaigaon, in ensuring a nurturing environment for the participants. Amit K Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC-Bongaigaon, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts 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 dance, group songs, yoga displays, and a grand finale celebrating women’s empowerment. An exhibition of handmade craft items prepared by the girls was also organized on the sidelines.
During the de-registration ceremony, certificates and framed photographs of their journey were presented to the participants by Arindam Sinha, Arnab Maitra, Rupali Sinha, Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, and members of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, marking their successful completion of GEM 2025. Anurag Gupta, General Manager (O&M), along with distinguished guests, union and association representatives, faculty members, and coordinators from Tanvi Consultancy Limited were also present.
The programme, held from July 1 to July 29 and with its de-registration on Jul 30, provided academic inputs in Hindi, English, Maths, 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 personnel and menstrual health and hygiene talks by medical experts further enriched the learning experience. Exposure visits to the District Commissioner’s Office, Senior Superintendent of Police’s Office, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Bodoland Silk Park offered the girls valuable real-world insights. In addition, the key leadership of NTPC including Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel), Meenakshi Srivastava, Senior Member, Sanyukta Mahila Samiti, NTPC Limited, Rachana Singh Bahl, Executive Director (Strategic HR and Talent Management), Dr Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam, and Kabita Deka, ACS, Addl District Commissioner, Kokrajhar, also provided guidance.
With this year’s GEM (2025), NTPC-Bongaigaon has empowered a total of 160 girls around its vicinity since 2022 with an intake of 40 girls per year. Launched in 2018, NTPC’s GEM initiative has so far empowered more than 11,000 girls across the country, with NTPC-Bongaigaon hosting the programme for the fourth time.
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