Axis Bank’s Self-Defense Drive Inspires Girls in Prayagraj

Prayagraj: In a commendable initiative aimed at empowering young women, Axis Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, organized a self-defense awareness workshop at the prestigious Jagat Taran Golden Jubilee School in Prayagraj. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Police's Women Safety Cell (1090), targeting schoolgirls to instill basic self-defense skills and promote personal safety awareness.

The session was spearheaded by renowned martial arts expert and Asia’s youngest Grandmaster title holder, Mr. Gaurav Chauhan, who shared vital techniques with the students. Designed to offer practical skills and actionable knowledge, the workshop focused on how girls can respond effectively to threats and maintain composure in challenging situations.

Around 350 schoolgirls actively participated in the hands-on training session. The workshop equipped them with simple yet effective self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and tips on using safety tools such as the 1090 helpline. The event also featured a vibrant interactive Q&A session, where students were encouraged to voice their concerns, ask questions, and engage in dialogue about personal safety and mental preparedness.

The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Ms. Sushmita Kanungo, Principal of Jagat Taran Golden Jubilee School, Mr. Ram Khanna, Head of Axis Bank’s George Town branch, and other senior bank officials, all of whom praised the students’ enthusiasm and determination.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sreekesh P., Regional Branch Banking Head – North 3, Axis Bank, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “At Axis Bank, we firmly believe that empowering women to take charge of their safety is a vital responsibility. Self-defense is not just a skill—it builds discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of self-worth. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire the younger generation to be more aware, courageous, and prepared,” he said.

This event in Prayagraj is a part of Axis Bank’s broader campaign across seven cities in Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Jhansi, and Renukoot-Sonbhadra. So far, more than 2,500 women have received self-defense training under this program, making it a significant step toward grassroots-level empowerment.

The initiative stands out not only for its practical training modules but also for creating a safe platform where young girls can openly discuss concerns related to their safety. The overall response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing gratitude for the confidence and skills they gained.

By combining community partnership with proactive training, Axis Bank’s initiative is helping shape a generation of confident, resilient, and empowered young women—one self-defense move at a time.

Report by Zainul Abdin