A school commits to safety through self-defence

Earlier, this week, on the bright sunny day of September 9, 2024, Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar saw an energetic rush of activities. It was not another day of academic pursuits; it was a day where the school premises resonated with the energetic voices of enthusiastic students along with enthusiastic mothers who had assembled for a first-of-its-kind session on self-defence in any school in the city.

Held under the aegis of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, the session carried a strong message for self-reliance. The idea is indebted to the commitment of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia towards fostering confidence and personal safety within the community.

The session was conducted by the chief guest himself, Mr Praveen Shrestha – a respected figure boastful of titles such as associate instructor of the Indian Para SF Military Close Combat System and a third-degree black belt. Along with his team from Shaolin Punjab, he introduced the students and their mothers to a host of practical techniques and strategies necessary for self-defence.

Techniques That Build Confidence

Mrs Bhavya Kapoor took the students through some manoeuvres of self-defence. The participants came out having learnt not only protection but also awareness to be applied in the immediate environment. These sessions equipped them with tools that went beyond physical defence into mental preparedness for eventualities.

What further added importance to the session was the inclusion of the students’ mothers. This inclusivity brought intergenerational learning and struck a chord in light of the shared responsibility of making a safer world for all.

Community Appreciation and Future Prospects

The session came to a close with words of gratitude by Mrs Priyanka Grover, officiating Principal of the school. She thanked the participants and the self-defence team for their dedication to bringing in essential skills to the students. Wholesome participation by the school was reflected through Mrs Namrata Sharma, Headmistress, and Mrs Nidhi Ghai, School head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, gracing the occasion.

The parents present were very vocal in their appreciation. Many showed interest in seeing this kind of workshop conducted in all schools to equip every student with self-defence skills, thus needing a change from passive awareness campaigns to active preparation and empowerment.

The entire event was thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed under the leadership of Ms. Maninder Kaur, the school’s Activity Coordinator.

The feedback from the students brought to the fore the handy application of the skills acquired and many of them evinced more confidence in overcoming any adverse situation. Such testimonials further encourage the school to promote training in self-defence among school students.

The workshop at Apeejay, Model Town, was more than a session in self-defence; it was about woman empowerment, learning, and community building. The enthusiastic feedback showed a growing awareness of the importance of self-defence education in schools. This is a step toward a safer, empowered future.

The call for action was loud: “Join hands with us in making self-defence classes for all! Enough candle marches; take to the streets for real change.”