Bangalore, India – April 18, 2024 – In an effort to promote safety and empowerment among students, Rotary Club of Bangalore Midtown, in collaboration with Inner Wheel Club of IT Corridor, organized a special self-defense session titled “Swaraksha” at Government Polytechnic College, Immadihalli, Whitefield. The session, held on April 13, 2024, aimed to equip students with essential self-defense techniques and knowledge to ensure their safety and security in today’s world.
Rotary Club of Bangalore Midtown is one of the premier service organizations which provide extensive support in the fields of Health, Education, Environment and Women Welfare & Girl Empowerment.
Under the Avenue, Women Welfare & Girl Empowerment, the Rotary Club of Bangalore Midtown conducts a program called Swaraksha Scheme. Swaraksha, which translates to “self-protection” in English, was designed to provide practical skills and strategies to students, empowering them to defend themselves effectively in challenging situations. With the increasing concerns over personal safety, particularly for young individuals, this initiative sought to address these concerns by imparting valuable self-defense skills.
This program is for young women from 8th standard onwards and any group of adult females that understand the benefits of this learning. It teaches about not only safe guarding themselves in untoward situations but also to build fearless personality and confidence in their daily lives. While physical confrontation should always be a last resort, knowing basic self-defence techniques can enhance personal safety.
Swaraksha is about creating an opportunity to escape rather than engaging in prolonged confrontation.
To conduct the camps and teach various techniques, the Rotary Club of Bangalore Midtown has engaged the services of Master Srinivas, President of Karnataka State Martial Arts Federation.
During the session, expert instructors demonstrated a variety of self-defense techniques, including basic strikes, blocks, and evasion maneuvers, tailored to the students’ needs and abilities. Participants were also educated on the importance of situational awareness, assertiveness, and quick thinking in potentially dangerous situations.
Rtn. Nishu Ravikiran, Past President and Chair-Women Welfare & Girl Empowerment of Rotary Bangalore Midtown, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Empowering our youth with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves is paramount in today’s society. Swaraksha aims to instill confidence and resilience in students, enabling them to navigate the world with a greater sense of security.”
Rtn. Shantha Divakaran, President of Inner Wheel Club of IT Corridor, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of community collaboration in promoting safety and well-being. “By partnering with Rotary Bangalore Midtown, we have been able to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that more students have access to essential self-defense training. Together, we are committed to fostering a safer and more resilient community,” she said.
The event received overwhelming support from students, faculty, and community members alike, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in addressing prevalent safety concerns. Participants left the session feeling empowered and equipped with valuable tools to enhance their personal safety.