NTPC Bongaigaon Showcases the Transformative Journey of Girl Empowerment Mission During Media Interaction
Bongaigaon: NTPC Bongaigaon organised a media interaction with representatives from the print, electronic and digital media to showcase the remarkable journey and growing impact of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM).
Addressing the media, Shri Arnab Maitra, Executive Director & Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, described the Girl Empowerment Mission as one of NTPC’s most impactful social initiatives, empowering young girls with confidence, knowledge, leadership qualities and aspirations to emerge as future changemakers. He said the programme reflects NTPC’s steadfast commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for girls from rural and underprivileged communities and enabling them to realise their full potential.
Sharing the evolution of the initiative, Shri Maitra informed that the Girl Empowerment Mission, which began in 2018 across three NTPC projects with 392 participants, has grown into one of India’s largest residential girl empowerment programmes, benefiting more than 16,000 girls across the country. Aligned with the vision of the Government of India’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, the initiative has become a powerful platform for nurturing confidence, leadership, life skills and educational aspirations among young girls.
Highlighting NTPC Bongaigaon’s contribution, Shri Maitra said the station launched the Girl Empowerment Mission in 2022 and has since empowered 210 girls through its previous four editions. Building upon this success, the 2026 edition achieved another significant milestone: the number of participants increased from 40 to 50 girls, enabling more children from neighbouring communities to benefit from the month-long residential programme. He explained that GEM provides a holistic learning experience blending academics with spoken English, mathematics, digital literacy, health and hygiene, yoga, self-defence, sports, creative arts, personality development, leadership training, environmental awareness and educational exposure visits. The participants also interact with accomplished personalities from diverse fields, encouraging them to dream bigger, build confidence and pursue their aspirations with determination.
Emphasising the initiative’s broader impact, Shri Maitra remarked that GEM’s true strength lies in transforming mindsets and instilling self-belief among young girls. “When a girl is empowered, an entire family and community progresses. Through GEM, we are nurturing future leaders who will inspire positive change in society,” he said. He further highlighted a unique feature of the programme at NTPC Bongaigaon: 10% of the participants are provided free education at the NTPC township school, based on an independent evaluation, thereby extending long-term educational opportunities to deserving students.
The media interaction showcased the wide range of activities undertaken during GEM 2026, including personality development sessions, health and menstrual hygiene awareness programmes, sports and fitness activities, yoga, art and craft workshops, dance and cultural training, self-defence sessions, mural painting, educational and industrial visits, environmental awareness initiatives, confidence-building exercises and interactive sessions with eminent personalities from various fields. Shri Maitra appreciated the dedication and collective efforts of employees, volunteers, teachers, medical professionals and partner organisations who contributed to the programme’s successful implementation. He also acknowledged the unwavering support extended by parents, local communities, educational institutions and the district administration in strengthening the initiative over the years.
Responding to queries from media representatives, Shri Maitra reiterated NTPC Bongaigaon’s commitment to further expanding the reach and impact of the Girl Empowerment Mission so that an even greater number of girls from rural communities receive opportunities to learn, grow, lead and become catalysts of positive social change.
Shri Maitra was accompanied by Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with Heads of various Departments, who interacted with the media and shared insights into the program’s planning, implementation and long-term vision.
The interaction concluded with a renewed commitment by NTPC Bongaigaon to continue investing in the education, confidence and leadership development of young girls, reaffirming its belief that empowering a girl today creates stronger families, resilient communities and a brighter future for the nation.
