World University Service (WUS) at Lady Shri Ram College for Women organised ‘Shashakti’ from 6-16 October 2026, a self-defence training programme in collaboration with the Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanakpura. The sessions were held at the college amphitheatre, led by Head Constable Uttam Kumar, Constable Preeti and Constable Dil Kumari.
The programme was designed for beginners, so no prior training was needed. Over the sessions, students learnt how to escape wrist grabs and arm twists using the wrist grip escape, wrist release and wrist lock escape. They practised the forearm block and the elbow counterattack, and learnt what to do if an attacker approached them from behind. Later sessions covered knife defence, including knife disarming, controlling the attacker’s arm, defending against a forward knife attack, and a takedown for a knife threat. Students also learnt to use finger strength and a firm grip to support their moves. Each session started with a warm-up, followed by a demonstration from the trainers and practice in pairs.
The trainers corrected students as they practised, and earlier techniques were revised so students would remember them. They also reminded students to keep their balance and stay calm. The programme ended with a closing ceremony on 17 October at the amphitheatre where students demonstrated the techniques they had learnt. Staff advisors Dr Bhawana Devi and Dr Lizashree expressed their gratitude and offered a token of appreciation to Head Constable Uttam Kumar and Constable Preeti. Participants reported the experience to be very useful, with many adding that they would like to join a longer program on self-defence.
