Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan underscored that empowering young girls is fundamental to building resilient families and stronger communities. He highly lauded NTPC Bongaigaon for fostering an inspiring, protective environment and later inspected the residential amenities to interact directly with the participants. To encourage their independence and future educational journeys, Shri Srinivasan personally distributed bicycles to all 50 girls. Echoing this vision, Shri Arnab Maitra reaffirmed NTPC’s commitment to inclusive growth, defining GEM as a cornerstone initiative designed to groom confident, capable, and socially responsible future women leaders. The launch event also featured a vibrant cultural showcase, a documentary on the GEM journey, and moving success stories shared by the program’s 2023 alumni batches.

Running from July 4 to July 31, 2026, the comprehensive curriculum offers a life-enriching blend of academic learning, digital literacy, personality development, sports, creative arts, and emotional well-being. Since debuting locally in 2022, the Bongaigaon chapter has successfully empowered 210 girls, standout among which is a merit policy where the top 10% of performers—selected via independent external evaluation—receive fully sponsored free education at the township school. On a national scale, NTPC’s standard-setting GEM initiative has already transformed the lives of over 13,000 girls across India, firmly driving corporate social responsibility, gender equality, and sustainable grassroots development forward.

Equipped with essential medicines and emergency medical facilities, the three boat ambulances will operate in Khutabagra and adjoining riverine areas. Staffed by trained healthcare personnel, including medical staff and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), the boats will provide primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, immunisation, emergency medical response, and transportation for patients during floods and other emergencies when conventional road access is disrupted.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Derhasat Basumatary lauded NTPC Bongaigaon for introducing an innovative solution to one of the region’s most pressing challenges, while Smt. Moon Moon Brahma highlighted the importance of collaboration between public institutions and corporate organisations in strengthening rural healthcare. Shri Nilu Brahma said the boat ambulances would significantly improve healthcare outreach in remote villages. NTPC Bongaigaon reaffirmed that healthcare remains a key focus of its CSR programme and stated that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare reaches every community, regardless of geographical barriers.

This developmental milestone is strategically designed to provide students with access to modern learning tools, particularly in science and technology. The newly established science laboratories will offer hands-on, practical learning opportunities to cultivate a strong scientific temperament, while the upgraded library is set to serve as a vital knowledge hub that encourages reading, research, and intellectual growth. Additionally, the five new classrooms significantly strengthen the school’s overall academic capacity, helping VKV Balijan smoothly accommodate the growing educational needs of the region.

During the event, officials from both NTPC and VKV Balijan emphasized that investing in educational infrastructure acts as a powerful catalyst for long-term social transformation and nation-building. While NTPC representatives reiterated their corporate dedication to sustainable community impact, the administration of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya expressed deep gratitude, noting that these upgraded facilities will enhance the daily teaching-learning experience for hundreds of students. As a responsible corporate citizen, NTPC Bongaigaon continues to drive inclusive growth across the region through impactful CSR initiatives spanning education, healthcare, skill development, and environmental sustainability.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Arindam Sinha, Regional Executive Director (ER-II and SR), NTPC Limited, in the presence of senior officials and representatives of women’s welfare bodies. The mela brought together culture, community participation, and entrepreneurship, featuring over 30 stalls showcasing traditional cuisine, ethnic handicrafts, handlooms, organic products, and eco-friendly innovations from across the North East.

Interactive attractions inspired by Assamese music, including installations honouring musical icon Zubeen Garg, emerged as major highlights, alongside cultural performances by troupes from the Bodoland Territorial Region and other parts of the North East.

The mela also reflected NTPC Bongaigaon’s commitment to social responsibility, with the distribution of educational kits and winter wear to 48 girls under the Girl Empowerment Mission. The initiative reinforced NTPC’s focus on employee engagement, community connect, and promotion of local culture and sustainable livelihoods.

Shri Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, in the presence of Smt. Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, distributed more than 100 educational kits to the students. Interacting with the children on the occasion, Shri Maitra encouraged them to pursue education with dedication and wished them a bright and successful future.

The students expressed their happiness and gratitude for NTPC’s thoughtful gesture, while the school Principal and faculty members conveyed their appreciation for the support extended to the institution. Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with members of the HR team, was also present during the programme.