IAS Officer Initiates Self-Defence Programme For Girls

A Devasena, an IAS officer in Telangana, has taken up the onus of imparting self-defence skills to young girls. She revealed that it was the sexual assault of a little girl which compelled her to launch this programme. The aim is to make the girl child stronger and more self-reliant for her safety.

Training girls in self-defence

The programme covers nearly 16,000 girl students from class VII to inter second year in all government schools and junior colleges in the district. It will train them in martial arts and self-defence techniques.

Besides girls, about 500 anganwadi teachers and PETs in schools were also trained. They will now provide assistance to the the girls in continuing the practice session after the completion of the course.

Also: Nirbhaya Case Inspires Film On Self-Defence For Women

Devasena's list of endeavours doesn't end here. She also initiated a mass-presentation of martial display "Sanghatitha Sabala" on a single platform by 13,600 girl students. This, in turn, created a world record.

"The sexual assault on a little girl really moved me. Her uterus had to be removed at the age of six. Though the incident occurred before I took charge as the district collector, the girl was bought to me during my visit to Kodakandla village. It really spurred me to launch a programme to make girl children strong," said Jangaon district collector A Devasena

Read Also: Delhi HC Directs Govt To Give Girls Self-Defence Training

Acknowledgement by the Telangana Government

The Telangana Government has decided to felicitate the enterprising woman by selecting her for the Telangana Excellence Awards 2017.

Besides her, 13 other IAS officers have also been selected for the TEX-2017 awards. The Telangana government will award them for their work in three categories -- innovation, general and government flagship programmes.

Women like A Devasana are an asset for the society. Their efforts towards making our girls capable enough of securing themselves is truly commendable.

Read Also: West Bengal: Self-defence Workshop for Girls at Undergrad Level