A month-long GIRL EMPOWERMENT MISSION-2023 Workshop as part of CSR-CD activities was inaugurated on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 10:30 am by Shri Debasish Chattopadhyay, Regional Executive Director (South), NTPC at APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium (Balbhavan), Cheppad, NTPC Kayamkulam. The programme commenced with Lighting of Lamp by RED (South), NTPC in the august presence of Shri S.K. Ram, General Manager, NTPC-Kayamkulam, Shri S.N. Panigrahi, GM (HR), NTPC, SRHQ, Shri M Balasundaram, AGM(HR), Shri Anand Maruti Malak, AGM (O&M & RE-Solar), Smt. Sumitra Ram, President, Navjyoti Ladies Club & Smt. Ashwathi, President, Chingoli Panchayat.

Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) is an initiative for girls between 10 and 12 years of age under NTPC's CSR-CD Programme. 40 selected girl students of Class-V from Six Government Schools near to NTPC Kayamkulam Project are participating in the Residential Workshop.

The main objective of this workshop is to create opportunities for upliftment of girls from the vicinity of villages of power stations of NTPC, thereby empowering them to face the challenges in future confidently. There will be courses on personal hygiene, effective communication, cyber safety, awareness on energy conservation, environmental issues etc.

In his speech Shri SN Panigraphi, GM (HR), SRHQ said under CSR-CD, NTPC is carrying out many programmes. He congratulated NTPC-Kayamkulam for conducting this GEM programme first among southern region for this season for the benefit of girl children. He wished every success for the programme.

In his address, Shri SK Ram, General Manager, NTPC-Kayamkulam, emphasized that it is a good opportunity for the young children to learn many things. The programme will be very much useful in shaping their future. Once they complete the programme, they will feel confident, strong and ready to face any challenges in the world.

Shri Debasish Chattopadhyay, Regional Executive Director (South), NTPC, who is on his maiden visit to Kayamkulam, said NTPC is energising the lives of people through education and GEM programme is a unique one towards this for the benefit of girl children. Through GEM, NTPC gives spark to every girl child. He advised the girl children to make full use of this opportunity and inculcate the learnings they gained through this workshop into their life so that they can lead a successful life in future.

Shri Ajay Kumar Thakur, AGM (Safety) and all employees with family members, Ms. Adhina Anson, Faculty from Hero Mindmine Institute Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon, the Agency responsible for conducting the GEM Workshop, Inspector, CISF, Smt. Hema K., Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Press & Media Representatives, Union and Association Representatives, Representatives from Samunnathi and other agencies participated in the programme. The GEM-2023 Workshop at NTPC-Kayamkulam shall conclude on 22nd May 2023.

The Coordinator of the GEM Workshop is Smt. Meenakshi K., Officer (CSR/HR).

The inaugural program concluded with Vote of Thanks by Smt. Arya Narayanan, Sr. Manager (Operation).

Thereafter, RED (South) along with GM (HR), SRHQ visited 360 MW Gas Power Plant and 92 MW Floating Solar Plant. Later, in the afternoon, he took Review of Station activities with BUH, HODs and HOSs along with GM (HR), SRHQ. He also held meeting with Union & Association and also addressed all employees.

RED (South) along with GM (HR), SRHQ is expected to leave for Hyderabad on 23.04.2023.