Gaya (Bihar):Scores of girls, mostly students in Bodh Gaya district are being taught martial arts for self-defence.
A majority of the students hail from under privileged families. Kasturba Gandhi
Girl's School who teach the martial arts is a residential institution functioning
jointly under the government's Departments of Education and Women's Welfare. Many
under privileged girls from remote villages of Gaya district are among the boarders
of this school. "The idea behind teaching karate is that if the girls learn martial
arts they can defend themselves while commuting or moving around. If they encounter
miscreants, they can confront instead of panicking. In short 'our defence in our
hands' this is mental and physical development going hand in hand," said Punam
Kumari, Martial Arts Instructor. The students, however, are upbeat about learning
karate which would enable them to face any odd situation. "Karate is for self
defence and for mental development. Now we are not afraid anymore. Now we can
defend ourselves," said Tamana Parvin, a student. Apart from the routine academic
education and vocational training, these girls have showed immense interest in
learning martial arts.
