AT the time when intellectuals were debating about growing crimes against women at the studios of different news channels and youth were lighting candles and rallying with placards at Jantar Mantar or India Gate, the Chetna Conscience of Women, an RSS associated outfit affiliated to Bharatiya Stree Shakti, organised safety lectures and self-defence training camps for girls in Delhi.
After conducting lectures on security of women all over Delhi, the Chetna decided that merely delivering safety lectures are not enough and the girls should practically be given training in safety skills. Its workers contacted the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nanakpura to impart safety training to women and children. Delhi Police fully co-operated with the volunteers and sent two special trainers the very next day of meeting. This is how the 15 day self-defence training programme took a kick start on January 4, 2013. The girls participated rigorously in the training. Smt Pragya Parande, Delhi head of Chetna, said merely organising demonstrations are not enough. What is needed is to sensitise the people and practically teach women and girls how to defend themselves when they are trapped in any security threat. (FOC)
