Asansol, October 3: At present, the issue of women's safety and making women self-reliant has become a highly sensitive and important topic of discussion across the state. Against that backdrop, a 10-day special Kalaripayattu training camp has begun in Asansol to emphasize self-defense for women. Crowds overflowed at the indoor stadium adjacent to Polo Ground in Asansol to learn this internationally acclaimed ancient and traditional martial art of Kerala. In this mega training camp, organized on the initiative of BJP MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee from Asansol North assembly constituency in collaboration with Asansol Sports Club Association, many young women and female students from West Bengal as well as the neighboring state of Jharkhand have participated.
Attending the official inauguration ceremony of the camp, Paschim Bardhaman District Magistrate S. Ponnambalam said, "Kerala's traditional martial art Kalaripayattu is not just limited to increasing physical capability, but it is also extremely effective in building mental strength and self-confidence. Keeping the safety of girls especially in mind on the soil of Asansol, this organization is undoubtedly a commendable step. Girls have to go out for work or studies, and learning these techniques will make them self-reliant in facing any untoward situation during that time."
Among other distinguished guests present at the event were Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate Police Commissioner Pranab Kumar, Principal of Asansol Girls' College Dr. Swati Chakraborty, and Pappu Dhall of Asansol Rifle Club. Every speaker present emphasized the necessity of women empowerment and learning self-defense techniques.
Organizer MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee stated that although the initial target was set for training 160 female students at this camp, widespread enthusiasm was observed among the public. Around 200 to 250 people registered their names, out of which about 180 are currently undergoing regular training. A special team of 10 expert trainers from Kerala is teaching the participants the basic and advanced techniques of Kalaripayattu. Most notably, this training has been arranged completely free of cost. The MLA announced that this camp will be organized every six months, and the date for the next training will be officially announced on October 10.
On the other hand, the spread of this martial art has also begun in educational institutions. Dr. Swati Chakraborty, Principal of Asansol Girls' College, stated that Kalaripayattu training has started at their college since last September. It is also playing a very effective role in overcoming students' excessive reliance on smartphones and mental depression in modern times. She commented that through regular physical exercise and practice, students' concentration, discipline, and physical coordination are increasing.
The organizers hope that after successfully completing this 10-day training, the trained young women will be able to teach self-defense techniques to other women and female students in the future. As a result, it will be possible to build a strong shield of women's safety in society.
