NTPC Korba celebrated the 78th Independence Day with exceptional enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. This year’s celebrations were imbued with a renewed commitment to India’s progress and development under the theme “Viksit Bharat,” reflecting on the nation’s advancement and envisioning future growth by 2047.
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The Independence Day festivities commenced with a warm welcome to Chief Guest Shri Rajeev Khanna, Business Unit Head (NTPC Korba), who was greeted by Shri Shashi Shekhar, Head of HR, with a turban and badge. Shri Rajeev Kulhari, Commandant CISF KSTP, welcomed him with a tricolour angvastram. Smt. Roli Khanna, President of Maitri Mahila Samiti, was also honoured with a bouquet, badge, and tricolour angvastram.
Shri Rajeev Khanna hoisted the national flag, followed by a collective rendition of the national anthem. The Chief Guest, along with CISF personnel, saluted the flag and subsequently inspected the parade ground.
In his address, Shri Rajeev Khanna paid tribute to the nation’s brave freedom fighters, reflecting on their sacrifices and the enduring spirit of independence and extended his heartfelt greetings to the audience. He then highlighted that Stage-I Units 1, 2, & 3 of NTPC Korba recently marked 40 years of commercial operation in July 2024. Since 1983, NTPC Korba has been a symbol of power and progress, focusing not only on energy generation but also on the socio-economic development of surrounding communities. The plant achieved the highest Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 89.84% for FY 2023-24, ranking No. 1 among NTPC stations for the fourth consecutive year. NTPC Korba also received the Best PLF Award in the Public Sector Category at the CEE 3rd National Energy Efficiency Award 2023.
Shri Khanna emphasized the project’s commitment to environmental protection, noting regular tree-planting activities.
Under CSR initiatives, NTPC Korba has distributed confectionery to children in affected and nearby villages on January 26 and August 15. Additionally, ₹20,000 was provided to support tribal art, handicrafts, and cultural programs during the Pali Mahotsav 2024.
Training programs in petticoat stitching for women and CNC lathe machine operation for youth from affected villages have been successfully conducted. NTPC CSR Korba also distributed sewing machines to the Prerna Self-Help Group and conducted a pilot project for making flowerpots from 50% ash and 50% plastic waste through CIPET.
Financial support was extended for organizing football competitions and selecting participants for sub-junior, junior, and senior women’s teams. Notably, Kiran Pisda, who trained in these camps, was selected for the national women’s football team and became Chhattisgarh’s first female football player to sign with a European club.
Financial assistance is also provided to national badminton player Harshit Thakur, who has represented India at the Changchun University of China and Asian Games.
Following the address, Shri Rajeev Khanna, along with General Managers, distinguished guests, and Smt. Roli Khanna, along with General Managers, distinguished guests, and Smt. Roli Khanna, along with other senior members of Maitri Mahila Samiti released balloons into the sky as a symbol of joy and celebration.
The event also honored employees excelling in various fields with “Meritorious” awards and other distinctions. Cultural programs featuring patriotic-themed group dances and songs were performed by students from Delhi Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Government High Schools, Bal Bhawan, and Tiny Cottage.
Furthermore, a mesmerizing tricolor pressure jet spray demonstration by the CISF left everyone awestruck.
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Additionally, fruits were distributed to all patients at NTPC Korba Hospital. At Vikas Bhawan, General Manager (Operations and Maintenance) Shri Arnab Maitra hoisted the flag and extended Independence Day wishes to the employees. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held across various locations.
The celebrations concluded with a grand tour at the selfie point, “Celebrating Chhattisgarh: The Rice Bowl of India.”
