The Business Bytes
Bongaigaon, July 29, 2024 (TBB Bureau): NTPC Bongaigaon successfully concluded the four-week-long Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) on Saturday, held at its premises. The event marked a significant step in NTPC’s ongoing commitment to community development and was graced by Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, District Commissioner of Kokrajhar, who served as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Dwivedi praised GEM as a shining example of NTPC’s dedication to fostering positive change and empowering girls in local communities. He expressed admiration for the impressive talent showcased by the girls, who captivated the audience with a vibrant cultural program. “GEM is a testament to NTPC’s unwavering commitment to uplifting spirits and creating opportunities for young girls,” said Dwivedi.
Pushpraj Singh, Superintendent of Police, Kokrajhar, highlighted NTPC’s role in community development, emphasizing how the company’s initiatives have opened new avenues for progress in the region. “NTPC has set the foundation for empowering underprivileged girls, and there are endless possibilities for further support and development,” Singh remarked.
Akhilesh Singh, Business Unit Head of NTPC Bongaigaon, serving as the Guest of Honour, reflected on the transformative experience provided to the girls during their four-week stay. He noted that the focus on outbound training and creative endeavors was crucial in enhancing personal growth and exposing the girls to diverse experiences. Singh expressed gratitude towards the parents, teachers, and district administration for their unwavering support since the program’s inception.
Asutosh Biswas, GM (Operation), delivered the welcome address, outlining the program’s objectives and the ways in which NTPC Bongaigaon has facilitated the girls in realizing their dreams. Prabhat Ram, AGM (HR), ER-II, emphasized the program’s impact on holistic development. “The true measure of GEM lies in the profound stories of transformed lives, hopeful smiles, and rekindled dreams,” Ram stated.
In a first-time initiative, NTPC Bongaigaon distributed cycles to the girls as part of the program. Sangeeta Singh, President of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, commended NTPC Bongaigaon for their meticulous attention to detail in arranging the girls’ stay and spoke on how the ladies club actively participated in the process.
The program featured an impressive two-hour cultural showcase, including a skit on President Droupadi Murmu, fusion dance, Bardwi Shikla Dance (a cultural dance of Bodoland), Assamese Bihu performance, group songs, and a display of yoga. The event concluded with a colorful dance celebrating women empowerment, and various craft items made by the GEM participants were also displayed.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Induri S. Reddy, GM (O&M), G. M. Thangzom, Commandant, CISF, Onkar Nath, AGM (HR), M. S. Kandari, Assistant Commandant, CISF, and others. During the de-registration process, certificates and framed photographs were presented to the girls by Akhilesh Singh and Sangeeta Singh, symbolizing their successful completion of the program.
The GEM initiative at NTPC Bongaigaon, which began on July 2, 2024, involved 40 students from the vicinity of the power station. As the final station to complete GEM for 2024, NTPC Bongaigaon provided a comprehensive residential workshop that included academic inputs in Hindi, English, Maths, Science, and Vernacular Languages, along with extracurricular activities such as life skills, yoga, dance, computers, crafts, and sports. The program also included fire safety demonstrations by CISF personnel and health-related sessions conducted by doctors, along with outbound training sessions at the BTC Secretariat, District Commissioner’s Office, Superintendent of Police’s Office, Sports Authority of India, and Bodoland Silk Park.
Launched by NTPC in 2018, the GEM initiative has empowered more than 18,000 girls across various NTPC stations. NTPC Bongaigaon proudly hosted the program for the third time this year, continuing its legacy of nurturing future leaders and innovators.
