Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 January 2024
North & Middle Andaman District Police had launched “SWARAKSHA,” a self-defence program aimed at empowering female students in colleges and schools across the region. Launched in September 2023, the pioneering effort focused on ensuring the safety of young girls and boosting their self-confidence.
The primary objective of SWARAKSHA was to equip female students from various educational institutions with essential self-defence techniques. Prominent institutions in the district, including Government Senior Secondary Schools Kadamtala, Rangat, Bakultala, Swadesh Nagar, Kishori Nagar, Kalighat, Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya Panchawati, actively participated in the program. Approximately 3000 girl students in the region have benefitted from the self-defence training, signifying the program’s success in engaging a significant portion of the female student population.
The SWARAKSHA program concluded at Netaji Stadium Diglipur, where around 500 students showcased their acquired skills in a demonstration. The closing ceremony featured a congratulatory message by Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, the Director General of Police, A&N Islands, delivered virtually. Mr. Srivastva highlighted the program’s importance and assured the organisation of similar events in the future to create a secure and skill-enhancing environment for the empowerment of girls and women.
Present at the occasion was Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, the Superintendent of Police, North and Middle Andaman.
The SWARAKSHA training comprised various self-defence techniques tailored to the needs and capabilities of the participants. The curriculum included physical techniques for fending off potential threats, mental strategies to enhance situational awareness, and exercises aimed at improving overall fitness and agility. By adopting a holistic approach, the program ensured that participants not only learn practical skills but also develop a strong mindset to navigate various situations.