Girls studying in more than 21,000 schools across Maharashtra will be provided structured self-defence training as part of a year-long programme being rolled out to mark the birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray. The initiative forms a key component of the “Nation First” campaign, which will see a series of educational, motivational and skill-based activities conducted across the state throughout the year.

Programme to focus on safety, resilience and national values

The programme, guided by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, aims to strengthen physical safety, mental resilience and national values among students. Under the plan, self-defence training will be imparted to girls in 21,279 schools, while basic military-style training will be introduced through the services of 10,000 ex-servicemen. In addition, 10,000 motivational speakers will conduct guidance sessions focusing on personality development, discipline and national ideology.