Perfect punch

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Girls practicing self-defence techniques

Mriganka Dadwal, 33, still remembers that chilling day when with her sheer display of courage she not only saved her life but also changed the course of her life.

A few years back, on her way home from work, a few rogues attacked her. A fiesty Mriganka narrates how she handled the situation, and became what she’s today. “I just hit their groins with my phone and escaped,” she says. “But recalling that event still makes me shiver,” she says.
Soon after that, Mriganka enrolled for a self-defence training programme, which she thinks is an absolute must for every working woman.
Now moved by the recent gangrape incident and rise of violence against women, the founder of Wedding Stories, along with likeminded young professionals is campaigning to take the idea of self-defence to the grassroot through the initiative, S.L.A.P — Street Level Awareness Program.
Busy youngsters meet after work and on weekends to chalk out their recent campaigns and make use of online forums for discussions.
“Agitations and protests are important, but along with this, we believe something concrete needs to be done at the ground level. An awareness program of this kind is an absolute must,” says volunteer Smita Vaish, who works as an e-content developer with an MNC.
Rahul Sharma, 25, who’s working as deputy manager with Bhushan Steel offers his bit as a judo player for the cause. “We did not party on New Year eve, instead we went to Jantar Mantar to support the protests. We wanted to make a point that we are very serious about the issue. Self-protection training for girls is a great idea and I make sure to dedicate my time for this initiative,” he says.
The group is organising self-defence workshops, along with Krav Maga expert and combat trainer, Vicky Kapoor across the four metros on January 26.
“There has been a lot of taking going on. We know that our authorities are lazy and till the time they wake up, so let us take our protection in our hands. We will be teaching girls how to take charge of the situation and be ready to act. We will also give them legal knowledge on women’s rights,” says Vicky.
For Mriganka, S.L.A.P gives direction to the anger. “We live in an illusion that ‘things like rape or sexual assault happen to other women’. But I know if I don’t raise my voice today, tomorrow it could be me, my sister or any woman close to me. So let’s wake up and gear up to act,” she says.