Empowering Every Girl: Maharashtra Launches ‘Har Ghar Durga Abhiyan’ to Teach Self-Defence
The idea behind the campaign is simple but powerful — just as physical education is part of the regular school curriculum, self-defence should also be a vital part of a girl’s education. (Getty Image for Representation)
Female students in government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state will be given the training for at least two hours every week
Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Monday launched the ‘Har Ghar Durga Abhiyan’ to provide self-defence training to female students in government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state.
The idea behind the campaign is simple but powerful — just as physical education is part of the regular school curriculum, self-defence should also be a vital part of a girl’s education.
Under the initiative — which was spearheaded by Lodha — girls will receive at least two hours of self-defence training every week throughout the year. They will learn the basics of martial arts like karate and judo, giving them the tools to defend themselves in challenging situations. Local NGOs will play a crucial role in delivering this training, ensuring that every girl not only learns these skills but also gains the confidence to use them when needed. Beyond physical strength, this training aims to boost their self-confidence and mental resilience.
The minister, while reflecting on the significance of the initiative, said: “Maharashtra has a proud history, graced by the courage of women like Rajmata Jijau and Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar. These women were protectors, warriors in their own right, and their legacy lives on. With the ‘Har Ghar Durga Abhiyan’, we want to inspire every girl in Maharashtra to embody that same spirit of courage and strength. I urge every female student to take full advantage of this opportunity. Together, we can stand strong against any threat and build a safer, more just society.”
