NTPC Bongaigaon hosts two-day ‘Anand Mela’ celebrating Assam’s musical heritage

New Delhi/Bongaigaon: NTPC Bongaigaon, in collaboration with the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, organised a two-day Anand Mela on February 1 and 2 under the theme “Junaki Mon”, celebrating Assam’s rich musical legacy while promoting community engagement, local entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.

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The mela was inaugurated by Arindam Sinha, Regional Executive Director (ER-II & SR), NTPC Limited, in the presence of Arnab Maitra, Business Unit Head, NTPC Bongaigaon; Rupali Sinha, President, Vasudha Mahila Mandal (ER-II) and Dakshin Deepanjali Mahila Samiti (Southern Region), NTPC Limited; and Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC Bongaigaon. Senior officials of NTPC, representatives of unions, associations and welfare bodies also attended the event.

The Anand Mela featured over 30 stalls offering traditional delicacies from across the North East, ethnic handicrafts, handlooms, organic food products, and cane and bamboo furniture, curated largely by members of the Ladies Club. Special stalls by Self-Help Groups undergoing skill development at the NTPC Bongaigaon township showcased sustainable products, including areca-based items, while eco-friendly toy stalls by Zankla Studio attracted significant visitor interest.

Interactive installations such as life-size selfie stands of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, musical instrument-themed selfie points featuring the Pepa, and “Know Your Music” displays emerged as major crowd-pullers, adding a contemporary dimension to the cultural celebrations.

Pankaj Chakravarty, District Commissioner, Kokrajhar, visited the mela and appreciated the craftsmanship on display. Stalls by NTPC’s medical, IT and safety departments, along with participation from automobile companies and Self-Help Groups from across the North East, reflected the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Arindam Sinha highlighted NTPC Bongaigaon’s role in ensuring reliable power supply to the region and the country, while appreciating the initiative for fostering community participation and encouraging sustainability rooted in local traditions. Arnab Maitra lauded the efforts of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, noting that the theme effectively integrated music with regional cultural identity. Earlier, Kasturi Maitra outlined the objectives of the mela, emphasising welfare initiatives and social responsibility.

The event also featured vibrant cultural performances by troupes from the Bodoland Territorial Region and across the North East, with special presentations by artists from Guwahati. Performances by Samannay Sanskriti Gosthi showcased traditional musical instruments and their cultural significance, while game stalls managed by NTPC employees and performances by employees and family members added to the inclusive atmosphere.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, NTPC Bongaigaon distributed educational kits and winter wear to 48 girls under the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), reaffirming its commitment to education, skill development and gender equality.

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