This Assam Woman's 7,600 KM Scooty Ride Aims To Empower Girls in Self-Defence

Ashmita Paul, a self-defence instructor from Guwahati, spoke to SheThePeople about her 7,600-km solo scooter ride, teaching self-defence and championing female education.

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Khushi Dwivedi
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Ashmita Paul

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At just 20, Guwahati’s Ashmita Paul is one of India’s youngest certified self-defence instructors. What's more impressive? She recently undertook a 7,600 km solo scooter ride across 22 States and 2 Union Territories to train girls and women in self-defence, and champion female empowerment. She has achieved recognition from four governors in India and a foreign legislature in Nepal. 

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In an interview with SheThePeople, Ashmita spoke about her journey as a self-defence instructor and shared the most impactful part of her ambitious scooter ride. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Ashmita Paul In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: What first inspired you to take up self-defence training and dedicate yourself to women's empowerment?

Ashmita Paul: From a very young age, I saw how many girls faced fear, restrictions, and even harassment just for being themselves. That pain and helplessness inspired me to take up self-defence, not just for my own safety, but to become a voice and strength for other girls. Over time, I realised self-defence training is more than just physical; it’s about confidence, dignity, and empowerment. That’s why I dedicated myself to this path, so that every girl feels safe to study, dream, and live freely.

STP: Your solo scooter rides across India and Nepal have been widely admired. What inspired you to take this 7,600 km journey?

Ashmita Paul: One of the most memorable moments from my 7,600 km solo scooty ride was crossing remote villages where young girls came running to meet me. They were curious, surprised, and then inspired by seeing a young woman from Assam travel alone with such confidence. Many of them told me that they, too, wanted to study, travel, and dream big. That innocent spark in their eyes reminded me of why I started this journey. It’s not just about covering distances, but about breaking barriers for every girl who wishes to step out fearlessly.

STP: Why did you choose scooter rides as a medium to spread awareness?

Ashmita Paul: I’m just 20 and from Assam, and honestly, I chose scooty rides because it’s something simple and relatable. Most girls in our country use a scooty, so when they see me travelling thousands of kilometres alone, it immediately connects with them. People stop, ask questions, and that gives me the chance to talk about female empowerment. For me, the scooty became more than just transport. It became a moving message that if I can do it, every girl can dream and move forward with courage.

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STP: Travelling alone across states and borders must have been challenging. How did you prepare yourself, both physically and mentally, for such expeditions?

Ashmita Paul: Honestly, it wasn’t easy. Before starting, I prepared my scooter properly, carried all essential documents, safety gear, and learned basic repair skills in case I got stuck. Physically, I practised long rides to build stamina, and mentally, I kept telling myself, ‘If I give up, I fail not just myself but also the girls who look up to me.’ Of course, there were moments of fear and exhaustion. In those moments, I reminded myself that I wasn’t just riding for me, I was riding for every girl who dreams of freedom and safety. That thought kept me strong and gave me the courage to continue. 

STP: What moments of impact with people during your campaigns have stayed closest to your heart?

Ashmita Paul: One of the most heart-touching moments happened in Gorakhpur. After my awareness session, a shy 13-year-old girl quietly came to me and said, ‘Didi, I never thought someone like me could be strong… but after seeing you, I also want to learn self-defence.’ She hugged me tightly and didn’t let go. That innocence and courage in her eyes melted my heart. It made me realise that even if one girl dares to believe in herself because of my journey, then every struggle I faced on the road was worth it.

STP: At just 20 years old, you’ve already earned honours from the Governors of Sikkim, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tripura, and also a foreign legislature in Nepal. How does it feel to receive such recognition so early in your journey?

Ashmita Paul: It feels truly humbling and motivating. At just 20, to be recognised by four Governors and even a foreign legislature is not just an honour for me, but for the cause I represent, women empowerment and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. I dedicate this recognition to each and every girl in India who dares to dream, because their courage is my biggest inspiration. 

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STP: As a self-defence instructor, what message do you give to young girls who may lack confidence or support?

Ashmita Paul: My message to young girls is, start small, but start. Confidence doesn’t come all at once; it grows when you take one step at a time, whether it’s speaking up in class, learning a new skill, or trying self-defence. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get support right away. Even I faced doubts and questions in the beginning. But once you believe in yourself and keep moving, others will believe in you too. If I can do it at 20, so can you. 

STP: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for expanding your mission of women's empowerment and self-defence training?

Ashmita Paul: My dream is to reach as many girls as possible, especially in rural and small-town areas where awareness and opportunities are very limited. I want to train more female self-defence instructors, free of cost, across India. Right now, there is a huge gap, as very few women are in this field. Along with this, I also want to collaborate with schools and colleges so that self-defence becomes a regular part of education. My ultimate goal is simple: To see every girl in India grow up confident, fearless, and independent.

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