An NGO celebrated its foundation day with a display of self-defence techniques imparted to a group of underprivileged children.

The audience comprised the kids’ parents, most of whom struggle to make a living.

Self-defence was an alien concept for most parents. For some, these lessons meant engaging in fights and not ways to remain safe.

The NGO, Calcutta Social Project, on its 52nd Foundation Day, wanted to show the parents what their kids have been learning.

Many of the children come from areas where they grow up seeing violence around them which impacts their minds.

“A girl might start thinking that it is normal for a man to hit a woman, be it her father, brother, husband, or any other male member of her family,” said Mohuna Dutt, CEO.

“We have been training them so that they know how to protect themselves and their loved ones if put in a situation of harm. Boys, too, are victims of abuse and violence,” said Dutt.

Of the 52 girls and boys taking taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu lessons, 70 per cent are girls.

For 40 minutes on July 16, the children showed how they subdue an attacker or reverse the attack when overpowered by someone.

“It is difficult to convince parents that we are not teaching them to engage in mindless fights. It is not only about kicking and punching, it’s about defending themselves,” she said.

Renu Devi, a 45-year-old mother of a 13-year-old girl was “proud” to see her girl overpower a boy taller and stronger than her.

“You cannot do it if you don’t know the technique,” she said. “I never got the opportunity to take self-defence classes when I was growing up. I am thankful that my daughter is getting that chance. She will grow to be a strong woman,” Devi said.

President Arjun Dutta said the parents allow their children to learn what the NGO is teaching because there is trust and they don’t question them.