576 Lives Touched, 84 New Dreams Enrolled in GEM 6.0
In a vibrant and heartwarming ceremony, NTPC Korba inaugurated the 6th edition of the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) for 2025, enrolling 84 young girls from 34 schools across villages and urban wards in the region. This year’s cohort joins a growing legacy of impact, with the program having touched 576 lives since its inception in 2018.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of dignitaries including Shri Rajeev Khanna, Executive Director, NTPC Korba; Shri Bibhas Ghatak, GM (O&M); Shri Naveen Kumar Arora, GM (NGSL); Shri Vinod Kolhatkar, CMO; Smt. Roli Khanna, President, Maitri Mahila Samiti; Smt. Subhra Ghatak, Vice President, MMS; Shri Rajeev Kulhari, Commandant, CISF; Smt. Neeru Bharti Arora, and Smt. Ratna Hajra, In-Charge, Hero Mind Mine, along with teachers, principals, union and association representatives, proud parents, and the enthusiastic GEM participants.
A Legacy of Hope and Empowerment
Welcoming the guests with planters and angvastram, the event set the tone for a day of inspiration and cultural celebration. Performances by Bal Bhawan children, including a spirited Chhattisgarhi folk dance, and a skit by GEM alumni, added a vibrant flavor to the occasion, showcasing the talents and transformative journeys of past and present participants.
Reflecting on NTPC’s journey from its founding in 1975 to becoming India’s largest power utility, the GEM initiative stands as a testament to NTPC’s evolving vision—from powering homes to empowering futures. “Here at NTPC Korba, we embraced this mission with great enthusiasm and purpose from its very beginning in 2018,” said Shri Rajeev Khanna. “Since then, we’ve reached girls from 41 schools across 36 villages and wards, and helped shape 576 stories of courage and change.”
A Message of Inspiration
“To our participants, I want to say this: You are the embodiment of strength, resilience, and hope. You have already shown us what it means to be determined, to break boundaries, and to aspire for excellence. Each one of you has a unique story, a unique path, and a unique set of aspirations.
Today, we gather to celebrate you, and to remind you that you have the power to achieve whatever you set your heart on.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a world where every girl has the opportunity to shine.”
Beyond Academics: A Holistic Model for Development
The GEM program integrates academic excellence with non-curricular exposure, offering sessions in art, music, yoga, reading, social interaction, and personal development. The initiative emphasizes not only learning but also self-discovery, leadership, and life skills.
One of GEM’s most powerful elements is its role model engagement. Girls are introduced to inspiring professionals—from doctors and teachers to police officers, athletes, and administrators—who share their journeys and spark ambitions.
A Platform for Gender Equality
At its core, GEM is a movement for gender equality, aiming to create a society where every girl has the freedom to dream and the tools to achieve. “This initiative fosters resilience, discipline, and self-respect while empowering each girl to become a beacon of hope in her community,” said Shri Rajeev Khanna during the ceremony.
As NTPC celebrates 50 years of energizing the nation, GEM 6.0 reminds us that true progress is not just measured in megawatts, but in dreams nurtured, lives uplifted, and futures rewritten.
