National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Simhadri launched its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)-2026, with an inaugural ceremony at Sakuntalam Hall. The four-week residential workshop is aimed at building leadership, confidence and overall development among girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

Around 130 girl students, selected from government schools in the station’s vicinity, are taking part in the programme. The curriculum covers academic learning, personality development, digital literacy and life skills, alongside sports and arts.

Ajay Sharma, Regional Executive Director (South) and Executive Director (Engineering), and Ayaskanta Jena, Head of Project, NTPC Simhadri, attended the ceremony.

Mr. Jena said the station was committed to community development, and that GEM was a platform to equip girls with the tools to become future leaders.

Mr. Sharma spoke on the role of education in social progress, and praised the parents for supporting their daughters’ participation in the residential camp. “Empowering the girl child is central to our vision of inclusive growth,” he said.

The event included cultural performances by the new batch and a yoga demonstration. A video on the GEM-2025 edition showcased the programme’s impact on previous participants. Senior officials, representatives from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and members of the Deepika Ladies Club were present.

The workshop, which concludes in early June, will give the students a secure environment to explore their potential through value-based education and vocational training.