Protect Yourself 💪
As the session began, I asked the girls a simple yet important question:
“If someone suddenly tries to grab you from behind, do you know how to respond?”
Some answers came quickly —
“I will scream,” said one.
“I will push and run,” added another.
A few stayed silent, unsure of what to do. That silence spoke volumes.
Today’s focus was clear — not just awareness, but how to act when someone grabs you from behind. I guided them on practical ways to protect themselves and escape safely:
- Heel Stomp & Elbow Push: If grabbed from behind, stamp your heel firmly and use your elbow to create space.
- Palm Strike & Knee Lift: Quick, strong strikes to break a hold.
- Target Sensitive Points: Press into weaker areas like underarms, stomach, or thighs to weaken the attacker’s grip and free yourself immediately.
- Thumb-to-Thumb Wrist Release: If someone grabs your hand, align your thumb with theirs and release your hand smoothly.
We practised each step carefully — not to attack, but to escape with presence of mind. Slowly, hesitation turned into confidence, and every move became sharper and stronger.
During our interaction, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that some girls from Class 11 and 12 had already trained in “Shastra Kala“ — the traditional art of self-protection. They shared how they could handle a stick (lathi), swing it with balance, and use different techniques passed down through generations. Listening to this gave me immense joy, because it showed how knowledge from our culture can empower today’s young girls. I humbly requested them to share these skills with their classmates, and with great enthusiasm, they agreed. The sparkle in their eyes made it clear — they were eager not just to learn, but also to teach.
By the end of the day, the promise these girls carried was bigger than just self-defence moves. It was about unity, about lifting each other up, and about transforming fear into a strength that spreads. Day 5 will be remembered not only for the techniques learned, but also for the spirit of sisterhood and the courage to pass on knowledge — a strength that can inspire many more tomorrow.