“It is very difficult to understand why in this country so much difference is made between men and women, whereas the Vedanta declares that one and the same conscious Self is present in all beings. You always criticize women, but say what have you done for their uplift? ”
- Swami Vivekananda
Whether it is the warmth of our mother’s embrace, the joys that we share with our sisters, the life that we experience with our partners, or the stories that we tell our daughters, it is the women in our lives who shape us.
The very same women that we so cherish, can fall prey to crimes against them. To help combat the situation, the Gujarat Government has launched a Women Empowerment Program - Padkar.
PADKAR - A Powerful Defense Through Courageous Response
We believe that a life of dignity is every woman’s right. Regardless of where she chooses to go or what she chooses to do, irrespective of age, caste, or creed, this right can’t be alienated from her.
An integral part of this right is that every woman should be able to defend herself when required to. Padkar aims to enable women to do just that by providing them with specialized self-defense training.
Across the talukas and districts of Gujarat, the program will be implemented through schools, colleges, and Swami Vivekanand Mahila Mandals. Our goal is to train over 1.5 lakh girls across 300 schools to not rely on anyone else but themselves for their protection. This program will be free for all the participants. It will be spread over 10 days, each consisting of 2-hour sessions of defensive techniques being taught by expert coaches and trainers.
A Movement Already in Motion
An integral part of this right is that every woman should be able to defend herself when required to. Padkar aims to enable women to do just that by providing them with specialized self-defense training.
Across the talukas and districts of Gujarat, the program will be implemented through schools, colleges, and Swami Vivekanand Mahila Mandals. Our goal is to train over 1.5 lakh girls across 300 schools to not rely on anyone else but themselves for their protection. This program will be free for all the participants. It will be spread over 10 days, each consisting of 2-hour sessions of defensive techniques being taught by expert coaches and trainers.
A Movement Already in Motion
Padkar is a part of the Gujarat Government’s year-long celebration of Swami Vivekanand’s 150th Birth Anniversary. Inspired by Swami Vivekanand’s belief that there is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the women are empowered, the government has implemented this program through the Sports Authority of Gujarat. In preparation for the program, several trainers and coaches have already undergone extensive training on the self-defense techniques. You can look up the dates and locations to find a program that is convenient for you or your loved ones.
Join us in making this a state where women live with dignity!
