Self-defence techniques are obvious things to learn, says Chinamyee a self-defence trainer.
In Bangalore, schools and colleges do not have self-defence classes, however, under the ‘Samagra Shiksha,’ self-defence classes are important to provide training to ensure the safety and security of girls. ‘
Shamantha S, Principal of Government High School, SR Nagar, said, “As of now we don’t have any self-defence training or classes for our students. The government authorities didn’t send us any notification regarding this.”
She emphasised the importance of self-defence training in schools. “For a girl, it’s very important to learn this technique to protect herself in an odd situation?” asked Shamantha.
Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, the central government provides self-defence classes to girls from class six to 12, to ensure their safety and security.
NM Ronad, a Physical Education teacher of NRS Vidyanagar primary school in Hungund said, “We don’t have any classes for self-defence in our school. There are hardly any classes for sports in general.”
Students say that self defence training is much needed. “Self-defence training will give an assurance and confidence to defend myself in an uncanny situation,” said, a tenth grade student (not willing to say her name) from Bangalore. She said that self-defence is much needed to protect herself from any physical assault. There are no self-defence classes in her school. But the school management is planning to arrange them. “I don’t know when exactly they are planning to start the classes,” she added.
Principal of Devanga Sangha School, said, “Once a year we arrange self-defence training in our school by our own arrangements. We didn’t get any circular from the government authorities regarding this training programme.”
Jyoti R, Principal of Devanga Sangha Pre- University (PU) college, said that two students were selected from their school for the ‘Samaghra Shiksha’ self-defence programme for three months. They got the notification from the Deputy Director’s office and following this two of their students were sent for the training. Now they don’t have any trainer as both of them left the college after completing their course, and no further action was taken by the government to provide the self-defence training programme.
An official from Samagra Shiksha department said that they are providing self-defence classes or training to every school, by focusing on every individual student.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Bommai, launched a self-defence training programme in 2022, “Obavva Art Self Defence Training.” Under this programme female students in schools and colleges are given training in self defence.
According to the data from the Social Welfare Department, 22,868 girls were given training under the Obavva self defence training programme in the age group of 12 to 15 years and 25,296 in the age group of 15 to 18. Purusothama S, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, Karnataka, said, “This training will boost the confidence of girls to fight against any abusive acts.”
According to a study published in the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 78.4 percent of teenagers agreed that self-defence was necessary.
Self-defence training should be blended with education. A woman ought to be able to save herself from any distress situation, said Chinmayee Sahoo, a self-defence trainer. She said, “Self-defence will be helpful to enhance your physical fitness. As we know these days crime against women and girls are increasing, and educational institutions are the best place to encourage self defence training for girls. They will learn and remember these skills for their whole life. Their confidence, stamina and strength, will help them so the government should take serious steps towards implementation of such training in schools.”
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)report (LinkedIn article of the NCRB report hyperlinked) shows that there has been a substantial escalation in reported crimes against women, soaring from 3,71,503 cases in 2020 to 4,45,256 cases in 2022. According to NCRB, ‘Crime Against Women in India,’ includes cases of cruelty by husbands and relatives, abductions, assaults, and rapes. .
Ravitha, a social activist said, “In my opinion self-defence is not enough for women to protect herself from any oppressor and self-defence can’t be helpful for the disabled, we should be concerned about them as well. To some extent self-defence is helpful, if women know how to use it and when to use it.”
