Guardians to the Gal'axy

Karate classes during school were one of those sessions that were supposedly forced down upon many. Some loved it, while the more lackadaisical few hated it! Yet, the fact of the matter is that many of these self-defence classes went a long way in avoiding uncanny and unpleasant situations, especially for the up and about new-age woman. Infact, learning a self-defence skill today is a choice many have opted for. With safety concerns rising, and government intervention of little aid, a group of students from University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering have sought to set up their own self-defence club with the help of their vice-chancellor. 

The club was thought of because the education department failed to send self-defence trainers to schools and colleges in Karnataka. With rising safety concerns, these classes are the need of the hour. Students in the city, debate about how important it is for an educational institution to provide self-defence classes. 

A city-based student, Sandesh Sanil feels that the failure to provide such training simply shows the inefficiency of the government machinery. Sanil explains, “From what I have seen, there are various policies aimed at protecting students like conducting self-defence classes. Slowly, there is a rise in the awareness. Yet, I don’t think the idea is being implemented well. Self-defence classes in educational institutions is a requirement as there are people who would like to harm you. And to protect yourself, self-defence is a must.”

Swapna Manjunatha, city-based student agrees that self-defense is a must when in an unsafe situation. Swapna elaborates, “I think when one talks about security, not just for women but in general, one cannot take action only when something bad occurs. Prevention is always better than cure. Self-defense is the way to prevent something bad from happening. Rather than reacting in restrospect, what matters is what was done before, in preparation. Our college has self-defense classes that are conducted every year after classes. This is an initiative that we have taken to ensure that girls are trained by experts in the field. From adults to kids, I think everyone needs to know atleast the basics.”

Having a self-defence class is an added advantage, both for students as well as the institution. Moni Krithika, a student says, “Personally, I feel it’s not only the sole responsibility of the government. Being self reliant has to be inculcated by students as well as the institution. Providing self defence is a two way process, the enthusiasm to defend oneself, and the interest from the institution to provide security is a must. It is important as security is the most important feature one seeks from an institution. And it benefits both the institution and the student.” 

From a societal perspective, sociologist Sudhansubala Sahu explores the scenario that a lone women grapples with, “These days, almost all schools give basic training to children in karate. But I am not sure to what extent is it being emphasised on, especially for girls. In my son’s school, most girls prefer dance over learning karate. Children at that age may not realise the importance of learning forms of self-defence. It is the responsibility of the parents and educational institutions to emphasise on it. Although it will be a boon if such training is provided by educational departments, I feel that as members of a society, we too need to take it up with a responsibility to ourselves.”