Newz Desk, Asansol: Education of the underprivileged girl child remains one of the most powerful tools of empowerment, and India Power Corporation Limited (IPCL) is working to make that a reality. The state-controlled power utility major today organised the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Medha – a scholarship programme for meritorious girl students.
Launched in 2019 and aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, Medha has, over the past six years, supported 35 underprivileged girls in pursuing their higher secondary education (Classes 11 and 12).
Every year, five students are selected as ‘Medhas’ from Class 10 of government-sponsored schools across IPCL’s license area of Asansol–Raniganj region. Upon beginning their higher secondary studies, each Medha receives financial assistance for two years that is directly credited to their respective bank accounts. The support helps them meet expenses related to tuition, books, and other academic essentials.
This year’s Medha scholars include:
1. Puja Mondal from Santinagar Vidya Mandir for Girls High School
2. Brinty Bhandary from Boringdanga High School
3. Piu Maji from Burnpur Subhaspalli Vidyaniketan Girls High School
4. Jayshree Maji from Sactoria Dishergarh Girls’ High School
5. Bipasa Bouri from Mithani High School
The felicitation ceremony was held at Srihari Global School, Asansol, in the presence of social worker Sudeshna Ghatak and Shraboni Mondal, councillor, Asansol Municipal Corporation.
The five scholars were felicitated with certificates in the presence of their families, classmates and teachers. A special video showcasing the journey and aspirations of the Medhas was also screened to encourage other students to aim higher.
Speaking at the occasion, social worker Sudeshna Ghatak said the role of India Power Corporation extends beyond supplying electricity to lighting up lives in Asansol region. She lauded the company’s CSR initiatives, particularly for its focus on educating the girl child. Shraboni Mondal, councillor, Asansol Municipal Corporation, appreciated the impactful initiative of the power company and congratulated the awardees.
Speaking at the occasion, Somesh Dasgupta, whole-time director, India Power Corporation, emphasised the long-term impact of empowering young girls. “Medha, launched in the centenary year of India Power Corporation, carries the purpose of bridging the gender gap in education and addressing the challenges of school dropouts, thereby encouraging self-reliance among young girls. Through the 7th edition of the Medha Scholarship Program, we are proud to take this step forward in addressing these issues. Our aim is to expand the program’s reach and empower more girls of Asansol,” Dasgupta said.
