The seven-day defence training programme for the girls organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) of the Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) concluded recently.
As many as 200 girl students from across the State were trained at the Utkal Karate School by trainer Hari Patnaik for a week.
The defence programme was a pilot project launched by the NSS CHSE wing. Looking at the success of the training programme this year, the State Government has proposed to train one lakh NSS girl students from both junior and degree colleges next year.
State Women Commission Chairman Lopamudra Buxi Patra was the chief guest at the inaugural function of the event. Patra stressed on the importance of self-defence for girls in the present time when crime against women is on the rise. The students demonstrated defence techniques in front of Patra.
The concluding ceremony was presided by NSS State programme coordinator Ramesh Behera. The complete programme was managed by 10 female NSS officers who had accompanied the students. Besides the training programme, the students participated in various cultural activities.