NTPC Girl Empowerment Mission: Empowering Young Minds to Soar

Indian Express

15-07-2025

The Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), NTPC Ltd's flagship CSR initiative aimed at empowering young girls to realize their dreams, has reached new heights of success. As a responsible corporate, NTPC initiated the Girl Empowerment Mission in 2018, making significant contributions to the empowerment of girls in the vicinity of its project locations.
NTPC Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) is a month-long workshop that aims to uplift and empower young girls of class 6th of the government schools in the vicinity. This holistic program is not just about imparting skills but about creating a ripple effect of change in the entire community through the young generation.
The selection of students for the GEM program is carried out through a carefully coordinated process:
1. Consultation with Authorities
We begin by consulting the District Education Officer and Mandal Education Officers to identify eligible areas and align with local education bodies.
2. School Outreach
All nearby government schools are approached to inform and nominate students.
3. Scheduling & Consent
Workshop dates are fixed in accordance with school summer vacations, ensuring maximum participation. Parental consent is obtained for every selected girl.
4. Health & Baseline Assessments
Once selected, the girls undergo a comprehensive health check-up and baseline survey, following which the curriculum is finalized.
5. Welcome & Orientation
The program begins with an opening ceremony, welcoming the new GEM students. The atmosphere is energized with cultural performances to inspire and motivate them.
6. Registration & Kit Distribution
Every student receives a GEM kit, thoughtfully curated with all essentials—books, uniforms, toiletries, and stationery—ensuring they're fully equipped for the program.
7. Learning Beyond Classrooms
Over the course of the program, girls engage in a vibrant mix of sports, self-defense training, arts & crafts, dance, drama, and life skills—building confidence, curiosity, and character.
This holistic experience not only enriches their summer but empowers them with hope, self-belief, and the courage to dream big.
The workshop in NTPC Simhadri began on 9th May , 2025, and concluded on June 7, 2025, under the leadership of Shri Sameer Sharma, Head of Project-Simhadri. It became a beacon of hope for 120 girls aged between 10 and 12 years who eagerly enrolled in the program.
The girls engaged in invigorating sports, yoga, karate, and exercise sessions apart from receiving academic inputs. These activities not only promoted physical well-being but also instilled discipline and resilience in the girls, teaching them the importance of pushing their limits and discovering their inner strength.
The GEM workshop at Simhadri is more than just a summer camp; it was an opportunity for these young minds to unlock their potential and discover their true capabilities. With a focus on holistic development, the workshop offers a diverse range of activities that encompasses physical fitness, nutrition, creativity, global awareness, cleanliness, academics, artistic expression, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and creativity.
Through art, storytelling, and collaborative projects, the girls learn to express themselves, think critically, and work effectively in teams.
This year, more than 2,700 young girls enthusiastically participated in GEM workshops held at 41 projects across the country. It became a beacon of hope for 120 girls aged between 10 and 12 years who eagerly enrolled in the program.
The academic curriculum was designed after conducting a baseline survey for the subjects like mathematics, English, environmental science (EVS), and Hindi, enabling them to strengthen their academic foundations.
Till now, 600 girls had already benefited from the program held at NTPC-Simhadri. It is a shining example of how education, mentorship, and holistic development could transform lives and uplift an entire community.