Organisers to use part of puja funds for women’s self-defence classes
Times of India | 26 August 2024
Kolkata: Several Durga Puja organisers in the city plan to spend a part of their puja funds to empower women by organising self-defence training camps, counselling sessions, and providing safety kits.
This year, each Durga Puja committee in Bengal is set to receive Rs 85,000 from the govt, up from last year’s Rs 70,000. The grant for over 43,000 organisers is likely to cost the state exchequer over Rs 365.5 crore, up from Rs 280 crore when around 40,000 organisers had received this grant last year.
Following the RG Kar rape and murder incident, some puja organisers plan to utilize a portion of the funds for women only.“We plan to organise a self-defence training camp so that in case of any crisis, women can protect themselves against miscreants,” said Joy Mukherjee of Unnayani Sangha in Paschim Putiyari. He added, “We already have a physical training camp in our club, but to start a separate unit for women, we need a new dressing room, washroom facilities, and a female instructor.”
Sandhica Mahalanbish, who is preparing for service exams, has enrolled in the self-defence camp which will soon commence at Unnayani Sangha. She feels that in today’s world, training in self-defence has become a necessity for women. She said, “Regular training in self-defence techniques will enhance one’s confidence. When I was 11, I had taken lessons in karate, but had quit soon after. After the RG Kar incident, I feel the need to take self-defence lessons again.”
Santanu Ganguly, the trainer, said, “To stop the attackers from getting an advantage, women need to be strong from within. Apart from mental strength, knowledge of some basic self-defence techniques yields good results.”
The East Beleghata Janakalyan Sangha has decided to curtail a few social activities which they conduct every year. “We have taken the decision to provide women with safety kits, which will include pepper spray, a torch, helpline numbers, and a whistle. The self-defence camp will be organised for the women of our locality.”
Kumartuli Sarbojonin Durga Puja committee will also use a part of the puja funds to train local women in practical self-defence techniques. “The fund is mostly used to aid women in distress, like handing out new clothes, providing the cost of their treatment, and supporting their study expenses. This year, most of the fund will be used for women’s safety and protection,” said Debashis Bhattacharya, a member of the executive body.