DRASS: A three-day self-defence workshop under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Gender Inclusive Equity Initiative commenced at Government Degree College (GDC) Drass on Thursday, seeking to equip students with practical skills for personal safety, confidence-building and self-empowerment.
The workshop was formally inaugurated at the college, where the Principal welcomed the resource persons and participants and underlined the role of self-defence training in improving confidence, awareness and personal security among students.
The training sessions for college students are being conducted at the campus from August 20 to 23, 2026, between 2 pm and 4 pm, according to the programme.
The sessions are being led by internationally acclaimed resource persons Ritesh Tiwari and Mana Mandelkar, who introduced participants to basic self-defence techniques, situational awareness and practical safety measures.
As part of the outreach component, the initiative will extend beyond the college campus, with self-defence sensitisation sessions scheduled at Government Higher Secondary School Bhimbhat, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Drass and Army Goodwill School Drass.
The programme is aimed at giving students practical tools to respond to situations involving personal safety while also fostering greater confidence and awareness.
The initiative also reflects GDC Drass’s focus on gender-inclusive education, student empowerment and holistic development, with the institution taking skill-building opportunities to educational institutions beyond its own campus.
The workshop brings together college-based training and community outreach, placing personal safety and confidence-building within the broader objectives of the PM-USHA Gender Inclusive Equity Initiative.
