AAKASHVANI.IN
NTPC Korba today marked the beginning of a new chapter in its flagship community development initiative with the launch of the seventh edition of the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM 7.0).
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, union and association office bearers, parents, and community members.
Organised under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of NTPC Limited, GEM 7.0 aims to empower girls in the 10–12 years age group by providing them with opportunities for holistic development and confidence building.
This year, 122 girls of the Korba region have enrolled in the programme, reflecting the growing trust and impact of the initiative in the community.
The programme commenced with a registration ceremony during which Shri Kishore Chandra Patra distributed GEM kits to all participants, encouraging them to make the most of this transformative opportunity. Adding to the warmth of the occasion, the Maitri Mahila Samiti also organized a special kit distribution programme, bringing smiles to the young participants and reaffirming its commitment to community welfare and women’s empowerment.
The inaugural event featured vibrant cultural performances by the participants, while alumni of previous GEM batches shared inspiring stories of how the programme helped enhance their confidence, communication skills, and personality development. Their experiences served as a strong motivation for the newly enrolled girls.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kishore Chandra Patra described GEM as a transformative platform that nurtures confidence, leadership, and aspirations among young girls. He urged the participants to dream fearlessly, embrace learning with enthusiasm, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. He emphasized that educating and empowering a girl strengthens not only her family but society as a whole.
Over the next four weeks, the girls will undergo intensive 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. Many alumni have gone on to pursue higher education and have become role models within their communities, inspiring other young girls to dream bigger and aim higher.
The enthusiastic participation of students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and community members set an energetic and optimistic tone for GEM 7.0, reinforcing NTPC Korba’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and empowering the next generation of young women.
