NTPC Limited’s Korba unit on Monday launched the seventh edition of its flagship community outreach initiative, the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM 7.0), reaffirming its commitment towards the holistic development and empowerment of young girls in the region.
The four-week fully residential programme was inaugurated by Shri Kishore Chandra Patra, Business Unit Head (BUH), NTPC Korba, in the presence of senior officials, members of Maitri Mahila Samiti, CISF representatives, employees, office-bearers of unions and associations, parents, and community members.
Organised under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of NTPC, the programme aims to empower girls in the 10 to 12 years age group through confidence building, education, personality development, and leadership training.
As many as 122 girls from the Korba region have enrolled for GEM 7.0 this year, reflecting the increasing reach and impact of the initiative within the community.
The programme commenced with a registration ceremony during which Shri Patra distributed GEM kits to all participants and encouraged them to make the best use of the opportunity. Members of the Maitri Mahila Samiti also organised a special kit distribution programme, adding warmth and enthusiasm to the inaugural event.
The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by participants, while alumni of previous GEM batches shared inspiring experiences about how the programme had enhanced their confidence, communication skills, and overall personality development.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Patra described GEM as a transformative platform that nurtures confidence, leadership qualities, and aspirations among young girls. He urged the participants to pursue their dreams fearlessly, embrace learning with dedication, and develop self-belief to achieve success in life.
He further stated that the education and empowerment of girls contribute significantly towards strengthening families and society at large.
During the four-week programme, participants will receive training in academics, computer education, yoga, sports, self-defence, arts, music, health and hygiene, communication skills, time management, leadership, and personality development.
Since its inception, the Girl Empowerment Mission at NTPC Korba has positively impacted nearly 660 girls from 41 schools across 36 villages and urban wards of the Korba region. Several former participants have gone on to pursue higher education and emerge as role models in their communities.
The enthusiastic participation of students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and community members marked an energetic beginning to GEM 7.0 and reinforced NTPC Korba’s continued commitment towards creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of young women.
