Be smart to be safe
HT City’s latest self-defence workshop taught girls how to be safe while travelling alone.
Last Tuesday, the self-defence workshop of the Hindustan Times Safe in the City campaign, which was conducted at the Ansal Institute of Technology, Gurgaon, got an overwhelming response from the students. The participants were given training on how to be safe when they are alone in public places or during odd hours.
Sumit Virman and Tenzin Palzom, martial arts experts from Kaishogun Karate Institute, showed various self-defence techniques such as forward elbow strike, arm block and thigh high block. “The elbow, knee and nails are a woman’s strong points that she can use to defend herself,” says Virman.
The workshop focused on practical steps that girls could take without much training. “I found the chin block technique really helpful. I just need to use my palm to hit the chin of the attacker,” says Pooja Yadav, second year student. “I never knew that even my nails could be a great tool of self-defence,” says Jasmine Dalal. “The front and back kicks taught in the workshop definitely make me feel more confident to deal with attacks on the road or in the Metro,” says Shivangi Sharma.
Safety tip
While stepping out alone, always carry a sharp edged object in your bag. You can carry a hair pin, a safety pin or simply a pen. When attacked, just prick the object in the hand of the attacker, making him unconscious for some time and giving you some time to escape.
My story
I usually travel from Gurgaon to my college by the Metro. Once, while walking home, a biker came from behind and tried to touch me. Before I could react, he was gone. To further my embarrassment, he turned his head and made lewd remarks. In anger, I picked up a stone and tried hitting him back, but missed the aim. -Ritika (name changed)
What the expert says
It must have been very humiliating and painful for you. It is a very good move to assert yourself through words or action in such a situation, as it makes you feel powerful and releases pent up feelings. However, at the same time, one should not lose self-control while retaliating, as it can put you in further trouble.
- Pulkit Sharma, clinical psychologist, VIMHANS
Thanks for the support
We’re glad you find our safety tips useful
Bhoomika Dhiman
Great effort. Keep up the good work, HT City! Long way to go!
Meena Khatri
Women should be confident
to deal with those type of situations. Good work, HT City. The campaign has been really helpful.
Ankur Mishra
Women should always try and be alert and must be aware about the police help they can get if they are under such situations....besides that, the government should try increasing the patrolling units.
Neha Arora
This is very useful! Kudos!
Let’s Get Connected
Do you too want a self-defence workshop to be organised in your college campus or office? Write to us at www.facebook.com/htcity