‘Suraksha 360’ Initiative in Mandi: Empowering Girl Students with Crime Prevention and Self-Defense Training.
Shimla:
In a significant move toward female empowerment and safety, a specialized training camp under the ‘Suraksha 360’ initiative was organized at the PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Mandi. The program aimed to equip girl students with practical skills in crime prevention and self-defense, drawing participation from over 200 students.
Expert Guidance and Tactical Training
The session was led by Master Bhupesh, the founder of ‘Suraksha 360’ and a renowned commando trainer, alongside assistant trainer Harish Sharma. The training went beyond physical techniques, creating a platform where students shared personal experiences regarding the specific environments and situations where they feel most vulnerable.
The core of the physical training focused on Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense system known for its efficiency and real-world application. Students were taught:
Quick reflexes to neutralize threats.
Effective maneuvers to escape physical grabs.
Techniques to use an attacker’s momentum against them.
Psychological Awareness: Identifying the Threat
Master Bhupesh emphasized that self-defense begins long before a physical confrontation. He highlighted that “preventing crime starts with identifying the criminal.” He educated the students on decoding behavioral red flags, including:
1. Body Language: Recognizing predatory or suspicious movements.
2. Micro-expressions: Reading facial cues that betray ill intentions.
3. Tone of Voice: Identifying manipulative or aggressive verbal patterns.
4. The ‘Touch’ Factor: Distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate physical contact.
“If you ignore harassment or misconduct, you are inadvertently fueling the criminal’s confidence. Immediate resistance is the most effective way to stop a crime in its tracks,” Master Bhupesh stated.
Institutional Support and National Vision
School Principal Anil Katoch lauded the initiative, noting that such training is no longer an extracurricular luxury but a modern-day necessity. He advocated for the expansion of these programs across all educational institutions to bolster the confidence and situational awareness of young women.
‘Suraksha 360’ is currently conducting similar workshops across India. Its mission is two-fold:
Physical Empowerment: Teaching combat-ready self-defense.
Mental Fortitude: Building the psychological strength to navigate and confront unsafe environments.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of confidence among the participants, marking a step forward in creating a safer, more vigilant community for women in Himachal Pradesh.
