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The Maharashtra government, with the help of the Shrimati Nathubhai Damodar Thackersey University, has introduced a 30-day self-defence course for women in Mumbai.
The move comes after an increase in attacks against women in the city.
"We are getting lot of queries from office-going women, housewives and also from students of other colleges who want to know about this programme ever since we launched it last week," Linda Dennis, Director of Physical Education, SNDT Women's University, told rediff.com
In one session, the students will get to meet Jayabala Asher. Two years ago, while Asher was travelling in a local train, a man got into her compartment and demanded money. On being resisted, she was thrown out of the train and her feet had to amputated.
"We are calling her because she will give an inspiration to woman on how they should defend themselves in case they are attacked. And she has been kind enough to give her time to us," said Dennis.
The first batch, consisting of 20 students, began on August 29. They are learning judo and taekwondo, and also how to defend oneself with handbags, handkerchiefs, belts etc. The course is conducted for one hour from Monday to Saturday.
Pavan Patel, a first year student of arts, said the programme gave her the courage to slap an eve teaser at Sion railway station.
"A man in his 30s was passing remarks at me two days ago, but I ignored. He then dared to touch me while I was walking, but still I ignored. But when he touched me again, I just could not take it and gave him a slap on his face," said Patel.
"I am sure now, I can intervene and defend other women too if they are being teased by some men," she said.
"I feel this course is a must for every girl in Mumbai, as it gives you lot of confidence. The best part of the course is that it teaches us on how to use presence of mind and defend oneself," said her classmate Yogita Solaskar.
"After the recent case in a train in Mumbai, when all the spectators kept mute when a girl was being raped, I think the time has come for women to think of their own safety. I am sure lot of women realise this fact. And it will be good for them to join this course," added Rekha Kale.
At present the Directorate of Sports is sponsoring the programme. "We have already registered 20 names for our next batch, which begins from October, but I am not sure how long we will be able to run this course free," said Linda.
The Maharashtra police have also promised to lecture a batch at least once.
But are 30 days enough?
"Yes," said Vijay Kamble, taekwondo instructor. "This course gives moral courage and enough confidence..."
ALSO SEE Self-defence drive for women launched Special: Fear in the cities
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