The morning bell at the TC Girls Higher Secondary School in Guwahati does not just echo routine curriculum in Assamese, Mathematics or Science, but much more. A new wave of learning has made its mark in the school, one that teaches courage, confidence and combat.
Sadia Ali, a Class IX student of the school, today stands tall with a confident smile, “I feel more confident now, even at night I don’t worry about being teased or harassed, instead I know what I have to do,” she shared.
Sadia is not an exception but is part of hundreds others who are sincerely learning self-defence under the Rani Lakshmibai Atma Raksha Prashikshan, an initiative introduced by the Department of Education, Government of Assam.
Under this initiative, girls across the State are being equipped not just with physical techniques, but with the mental resilience required to face difficult situations, “As part of the training, we have learnt how to respond to different kinds of assaults, to stay alert and maintain both physical and mental fitness,” Sadia told Asom Barta. The training curriculum includes martial arts, yoga and awareness sessions about personal safety, making it a holistic approach to female empowerment.
Subhalakshmi Baruah, the principal of TC Girls HS School, lauding the initiative said, “With rising crime rates, especially against women, learning self-defence has become the need of the hour.” She appreciated the Government’s decision to make participation mandatory, ensuring that more girls benefit from the scheme.
The impact of the scheme is not limited to urban areas. The rural heartland of the State is quietly undergoing a change.
Dilip Kalita, principal of Bonmajha Higher Secondary School in Darrang district, was initially surprised when martial arts training began in his school three years ago. But what followed was even more unexpected and uplifting.
“Without a doubt, girls have been participating enthusiastically in the three-month training course. It’s greatly encouraging and I truly hope the Government continues to support such efforts,” he added, “It is heartening to see our girls becoming stronger not just physically but emotionally too.”
An official in the Education Department said that the programme called Rani Laxmibai Atma Raksha Prashikshan- Self Defence training is being conducted for girls studying in Class VI to XII in Government/Provincialised schools.”
The official added that basic self-defence training for three months in Martial art forms: Karate, Kung-fu, Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, etc., is imparted by instructors nominated by the district sports authority.
The success of the scheme can also be credited to dedicated trainers like Robita Patowary, who has been on the ground, shaping the futures of hundreds of girls. “Till now, I have trained students from various schools in and around Guwahati. It is an essential part of their growth and I am happy to be involved in such a noble endeavour,” she said.
For many of these young girls, self-defence training is more than just a skill; it’s a statement. A declaration that they will no longer live in fear. The streets, their schools and their futures are no longer places of uncertainty.
