Chandigarh's ‘Swayam' self-defence academy shut down, training now limited to schools
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Chandigarh: In a concerning development for women's safety initiatives in the city, Chandigarh Police's renowned 'Swayam' self-defence academy, which empowered thousands of young girls and women over the past seven years, has remained shut since Aug 2024.
The closure marks a significant shift in how self-defence training is now being imparted across Chandigarh.
Launched in 2017 with the aim of equipping girls with physical and mental tools to defend themselves, 'Swayam' quickly became a symbol of empowerment in the city. Through martial arts, Wushu, and other practical self-defence techniques, the programme reached every corner of the city, from economically weaker sections to schools, colleges, and the IT sector.
Between 2017 and 2024, a total of 978 self-defence programmes were conducted, training 1,33,471 girls and women.
Alongside this, 739 awareness programmes were held, reaching 92,560 participants. In total, the initiative reached 1,717 groups with a combined 2,26,031 attendees, making it one of the most expansive public safety training efforts in the region.
Under the 'Swayam' banner, participants didn't just learn to protect themselves, many went on to excel in sports and competitions.
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From 2018 to 2024, girls trained through the program brought home 917 medals, including 319 gold, 298 silver, and 300 bronze, even clinching 3 gold and 1 silver medal at international levels.
However, since the academy's closure in Aug 2024, the format of the programme has been scaled down. Now, training is being conducted only in schools by police personnel, raising concerns about accessibility and outreach, especially for those outside the formal education system.
SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said, "Around 1,500 girls have been trained under this programme so far this year." While the commitment of the police force to continue the training is evident, the absence of a dedicated academy limits the programme's scale and impact.
Players have expressed disappointment over the academy's closure, calling for its revival. Many fear that without a centralised hub for structured training, the consistency and quality of the programme could suffer.
As Chandigarh continues to promote safety and empowerment for women, the future of 'Swayam' now hangs in the balance, a once-celebrated initiative now functioning only in fragments.
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