Early Times Report JAMMU, Oct 7: In a bid to raise awareness about safety and empower students, the Department of Commerce and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Government College for Women (GCW) Bhagwati Nagar, in collaboration with Mission Shakti's SANKALP Hub for Empowerment of Women, Jammu, and the Social Welfare Department, organized a one-day lecture-cum-workshop on "Self-Defence and Domestic Violence Awareness." The event, held under the patronage of Dr. Meeru Abrol, Principal of the college, aimed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others. The workshop was inaugurated by Sunil Kumar, a specialist in financial literacy from Mission Shakti. In his address, he stressed the importance of self-defense techniques, particularly for young women, and highlighted the need for heightened awareness about domestic violence, especially within educational institutions. The session on self-defense was conducted by Nikhil Jaral and Neha Jaral, both experienced self-defense coaches. They demonstrated basic techniques that participants could use to protect themselves in threatening situations. Students actively participated in the hands-on training, learning how to stay calm and respond effectively during emergencies. In the second half of the workshop, the focus shifted to domestic violence awareness. Sonali Rana, a gender specialist from the Social Welfare Department, delivered an insightful session on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and how to seek help. She also informed the students about the legal rights available to victims of domestic violence and the support systems they can access. Dr. Meeru Abrol, Principal of the college, underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for students. "Workshops like this not only provide our students with the skills to protect themselves but also raise awareness on how they can support those facing domestic violence. Creating a culture of safety and awareness is a collective responsibility," she remarked. The event, which provided a platform for open discussion about personal safety and domestic abuse, was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the participants. Many students expressed their gratitude for the practical skills and valuable information they gained. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns. The program was coordinated and organized by Prof. Gagan Jyoti, Head of the Commerce Department, and served as a crucial step in empowering students with the tools to ensure their safety and well-being. |