Kolkata Police's Tejashwini Initiative Draws 300 Participants for Women's Self-Defence Training
The Police Athletic Club tent in Kolkata witnessed a significant gathering on Tuesday as approximately 300 enthusiastic participants assembled for the launch of the 10th edition of Tejashwini. This impactful initiative, spearheaded by the Kolkata Police, is dedicated to empowering girls and women by imparting essential self-defence skills.
Commissioner's Call to Action Against Harassment
During the event's inauguration, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar addressed the attendees with a powerful message. He acknowledged the unfortunate presence of perverted individuals in society who attempt to exploit women but stressed that the time has come to stand firm against such behavior.
"In society, there's always some degenerate men who misbehave with women. They try to disturb you when you are travelling. You often do not know how to fight back or strongly protest against their behaviour," Commissioner Sarkar stated. "Tejashwini is here to teach you to gain the confidence that is needed to look into the eyes of the perpetrator and protest, and physically stall them. This is also an effort to remove your fear and your hesitations."
Structured Training Program for Empowerment
The Tejashwini program is meticulously designed for girls and women aged between 12 and 45 years. Over the next four days, participants will engage in intensive training sessions lasting 2.5 hours each day. The curriculum focuses on fundamental protective techniques aimed at enhancing both physical capability and mental resilience.
Commissioner Sarkar clarified that the training is not intended to transform participants into overnight experts. "But you will know the basic techniques of self-defence. You might have some doubts in the beginning, but at the end of the course, you will emerge stronger," he assured. He highlighted testimonials from past attendees who reported increased confidence, such as no longer needing to request early dismissal from tuition classes or hesitating to use public transport at night. "There is nothing to fear. Give it your best shot," he encouraged.
Participants Share Their Motivations and Aspirations
The inaugural day saw diverse participants from across the region, each with personal goals for joining the program. Sutapa Nandy, a 45-year-old resident of Behala, expressed her desire to boost her self-assurance. "It is not something that I will only learn. I will also try to practise what I learn," she affirmed, demonstrating a commitment to applying the skills beyond the training sessions.
Mukulika Jana Chatterjee, 44, who traveled from Hooghly, shared her aim to learn something new daily, reflecting a proactive approach to personal growth. Among the youngest participants were Aratrika Mondal and Sneha Sarkar from Sarsuna, who conveyed their belief that the course would strengthen them both mentally and physically, underscoring the holistic benefits of such empowerment initiatives.
Future Plans: A Dedicated Self-Defence Academy
Looking ahead, officials from the Kolkata Police Sergeants' Institute (KPSI), a primary organizer of Tejashwini, revealed ambitious plans to establish a permanent academy for regular self-defence courses. According to KPSI sources, the proposed academy will be structured with three key considerations in mind to maximize accessibility and effectiveness:
- The training sessions will be confined to weekends, facilitating participation for students and working women with weekday commitments.
- Each daily session will extend to three hours, allowing for more comprehensive skill development.
- The schedule will be carefully coordinated to avoid conflicts with other KPSI programs, such as cricket and basketball, ensuring dedicated focus on self-defence training.
This forward-thinking initiative aims to institutionalize women's safety training, building on the success of Tejashwini to create a lasting impact in the community. By combining immediate hands-on training with long-term educational frameworks, Kolkata Police continues to champion the cause of women's empowerment and security in the region.
