Mumbai, 12^th June 2025: NTPC Limited’s Western Region-I Headquarters is scripting stories of transformation across its projects through the impactful implementation of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative—Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2025. Conducted at NTPC Kawas, Jhanor, Solapur, Mouda, and Anta, this one-month residential workshop is empowering young girls from underprivileged and rural backgrounds by equipping them with life skills, holistic education and the confidence to dream beyond boundaries.

Igniting Young Minds: Kawas & Jhanor

At NTPC Kawas, girls from nearby project-affected villages, including Junagam, Rajgiri, Mora, and Damka, immersed themselves in experiential learning. A key highlight was a study tour to Surat International Airport, where officials, including Airport Director Shri Anand Sharma, personally interacted with the girls and appreciated NTPC’s initiative. The visit offered insights into aviation operations and instilled a sense of aspiration.

Additionally, NTPC Kawas organised enriching visits to the Krishna Bird Sanctuary, Punjab National Bank, India Post Office, and the NTPC Kawas plant. A wide array of workshops covering human anatomy, self-defence, first aid, energy conservation, and more helped broaden the girls’ horizons. Swati Mahila Mandal, led by Smt. Shanija M. George played a pivotal role in the daily care and well-being of the participants, reinforcing community involvement.

At NTPC Jhanor, a similar spirit of transformation was in motion. Forty girls from villages such as Amlipada, Kotiya, and Kandla participated in a curriculum that blended academics, sports, and life skills. Awareness of child rights, environmental conservation, computer literacy, and cultural heritage were integral to their holistic development.

Strength in Confidence: Solapur & Mouda

NTPC Solapur launched its GEM workshop on 12th May 2025 with 40 girls from Hotgi, Aherwadi, and Tilehal villages. The residential program emphasized holistic development through yoga, art, academics, self-defense, and awareness on menstrual hygiene and physical well-being. Weekly movie screenings and birthday celebrations involving family members created a nurturing and joyful atmosphere.

A unique feature was an interactive session on human anatomy, led by NTPC’s medical officers, who used simplified models to make science engaging and relatable. These thoughtful interventions are creating meaningful and lasting impressions.

At NTPC Mouda, the legacy of empowerment continues. Having trained over 178 girls since 2022, this year’s GEM 2025 hosted 44 girls from 9 Zilla Parishad Schools. Implemented in partnership with Hero Mindmine, the program also includes an impactful sponsorship initiative—NTPC Mouda is funding the education of 12 meritorious GEM alumni at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s NTPC Vidya Mandir through Class 12, ensuring long-term educational support.

The Heart of Transformation: NTPC Anta’s Emotional Milestone

At NTPC Anta, the essence of GEM 2025 was encapsulated in one of the most emotionally powerful moments of the entire campaign—a Parents' Meeting in the third week of the workshop. Families witnessed, many for the first time, the remarkable transformation in their daughters’ confidence and communication skills.

The story of Ridhi Mehara, a 10-year-old from Balakheda, deeply moved everyone present. Initially shy and reserved, Ridhi took the stage to present her sketch, “A Girl Standing for Her Dreams”, and spoke confidently about how GEM helped her believe in herself. Her father, teary-eyed, stood up and shared, “I never imagined my daughter could speak like this. Today, I am proud of her.”

This moment became the soul of GEM 2025 at Anta—proof that empowerment starts from within and spreads outward to families and communities.

A Collective Commitment to Empowerment

Across all five locations, GEM 2025 is not merely a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative—it is a movement for social change. By engaging families, communities, project officials, and volunteers, NTPC Western Region-I is building a nurturing ecosystem that fosters gender equality, confidence, and long-term development.

These girls are not just participants of a program—they are symbols of possibility, seeds of change, and the rising voices of an empowered India.

As NTPC WR-I continues its journey with GEM, it proves that when a girl is allowed to grow, she doesn’t just rise—she lifts her entire community with her.

***

NJ/DY

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2135895) आगंतुक पटल : 53