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In order to defend oneself from physical harm of any kind, one can use self-defense techniques. This one is, of course, the primary motivation for learning self-defense. The ability to defend oneself against physical harm or bullying is strengthened by training in arts like judo, karate, jiu-jitsu, etc. Training in these arts enables the learner to be vigilant and equips them with the necessary tools.
Two Indian states have launched martial arts training programs in an effort to empower schoolgirls on the occasion of Women’s Day by teaching them self-defense techniques that will help them defend themselves against anti-social elements and promote overall personality development.
Self Defense Program For School Girls
Surabhi Malik, the deputy commissioner of Ludhiana, introduced the Israeli martial arts training program “Krav Maga” on Thursday. The safety of the girls was Malik’s top priority, and she was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Aparna MB (an IAS-in-training). Every girl attending public school would receive Krav Maga training as part of this self-defense training program.
She stated that IAS officer Aparna MB, who is also a certified Krav Maga instructor, and her teams would teach the girls basic block techniques. She explained that the Women’s Day program was just getting started and that once the school exams are over, it will be fully operationalized.
In addition, on March 8, 2023, International Women’s Day, the Department of Basic Education in Uttar Pradesh also announced that 1,000 schools throughout the state would offer self-defense classes to female students. Through sports instructors, this instruction is being provided to 2,33,035 girl students.
“Self-defense training is being given to girl students in 1,000 schools across the state by sports instructors,” read a tweet from the department’s official account in Hindi. Additionally, this has trained 2,33,035 girl students.
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As part of phase 4 of Mission Shakti, the Yogi Adityanath administration chose to teach self-defense skills in upper primary and composite schools last year. To ensure the security, well-being, and physical and mental independence of girls, Mission Shakti offers self-defense instruction. Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, announced the beginning of Mission Shakti in October 2020 to safeguard women in the state.
According to the schedule, the required self-defense instruction was to start in December 2022 and end in February 2023. All girl students enrolled in different schools received instruction from physical education teachers and sports coaches at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) during the allotted time for sports, physical education, the arts, and music. Under the direction of the school’s headmaster, specialised training was carried out. Teachers from the school were also involved in the training process in addition to the students.
