Women given karate training under ‘I am Durga’ campaign in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Navaratri is a festival that celebrates divine feminine power and is a symbol of women’s empowerment, promoting their strength, courage and resilience. In line with this spirit, the ‘I am Durga’ campaign was launched in Bengaluru to raise awareness among women and equip them with self-defence skills.

Incidents of eve-teasing and harassment continue to be reported in the city. In recent days, the menace of rowdies has increased and cases of sexual harassment are increasing. Women, young women and children are being targeted in buses, cabs, autos, schools, roads, markets, etc.

The campaign, led by the Hindu Jagaran Vedike’s women’s wing, Rana Ragini Brigade, provided special training to women and girls in self defence techniques from sexual harassment and assault. The training included karate classes and demonstrations on how to deal with eve-teasers in public places. The participants, including women, girls and children, dressed in saffron attire and held posters that read ‘Naanu Durga” (I am Durga).

The campaign aims to empower women and girls, boosting their confidence to face challenges and protect themselves. The participants expressed feeling stronger and more confident after receiving the self-defense training. The Hindu Jagaran Vedike has also launched an online petition demanding stricter laws to curb Love Jihad and other issues affecting women and girls.

A young woman, who took the training, said, “I felt strong after taking the training. I have gained confidence that I can confront the gangsters and criminals. An online petition or campaign has been started by the Hindu Jagarana Vedika to implement strict laws to curb cases that are harmful to young girls and women, including love jihad”.

Bhavya Gowda, coordinator, Rana Rragini Brigade, “We teach women self-defence and karate training across Karnataka. Rape cases and harassment of women are increasing day by day. During Navaratri, every woman should be strong and face the situation. Women should not tolerate harassment against women. The brigade is providing free karate classes to all women who are interested”.