Empowering Women & Harnessing “Nari Shakti” for crime management to create a Healthy Society

Partha Roy & Urvi Teresa Gomes, Kolkata: In the yellowed pages of human history, women have always been the pillars of strength and resilience, shaping societies, cultures, and nations with their indomitable spirit and boundless potential. The concept of female empowerment, or “Nari Shakti” as it is known in our ancient Indian wisdom, is not merely a modern buzzword but a timeless truth that has been acknowledged across civilizations. The empowerment of women is not just a matter of gender equality; it is the key to unlocking the full potential of humanity.

Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organised the closing ceremony of ‘Baaghini 2’, a woman empowerment programme at Sister Nivedita University campus on 13th August, 2023. The primary purpose of the program was to empower women with self-defence skills that accentuates their strength and confidence. Smt. Krishna Chakraborty (Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation), Shri Gaurav Sharma (IPS Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate), Shri Bishop Sarkar (IPS, DC Newtown), Ms. Charu Sharma (IPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Detective Department, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate), Shri Biswajit Ghosh (IPS, DC Bidhannagar Police), and Ms. Susmmita Das Biswas (Additional Director, ICC) attended the closing ceremony. The replication of ‘Baaghini 2’ type initiatives by various Police Commissionerates and Police administration units across the state can play an important role in reducing crime against women in the society.

Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate initiatives are developing a new interface of interactions between Police and Civil society in crime management to reduce crime in Society.

Nari Shakti is not just about women emulating men or competing with them on the same terms. It is about recognizing the inherent strength that women possess, which often manifests in qualities like compassion, empathy, and the ability to nurture. Empowerment means giving women the freedom to choose their paths, whether it’s in the realms of education, career, or personal aspirations. It’s about shattering stereotypes that confine women to limited roles and celebrating their versatility and capacity to excel in any domain.

Alluding to the success of ‘Baaghini 2’, Shri Gaurav Sharma said “The response has always been very overwhelming. I started the Baaghani project while I was in-charge of Siliguri and expanded it here. Initially, we started this project as a self-defence course but we decided to include legal knowledge and the workings of the police department and due process because even we felt that only training women in self-defence is not enough. If they have no apprehension of the police department, the purpose of the project is not served. That is why we have extended this course over the weekend. Young ‘Baaghini(s)’ undertook the training and knowledge to become more informed and self-dependent. [ . . . ] We want these women to be independent, have mental strength and not to tolerate any crime against them. They will get support from us because this is the law and procedure.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Susmmita Das (Biswas) said “Women are powerful. They just need ignition and this programme acts as that spark. Women don’t have the right platform and lack awareness, which are equally important. Even five months back, the Indian Chamber of Commerce was not aware of Baaghini. The police department, especially the commissioner of Bidhannagar, has believed in us to carry out this project. We believe that the more this project expands, the more awareness it will create among young women. Its importance is multi-faceted as it teaches self-defense and aids to boost physical health. These skills are important as they make us stay healthy and also help develop decision making skills.”

Nari Shakti is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s a philosophy that emphasizes the strengths and potential of women in diverse contexts. As we strive for gender equality, we must recognize that the empowerment of women is not a threat to men but a collaborative effort that enriches society as a whole. By embracing Nari Shakti, we pave the way for a future where the contributions of women are fully acknowledged, where barriers are dismantled, and where the true potential of humanity flourishes like never before— and the first step towards a stronger and inclusive nation begins with initiatives such as ‘Baaghini 2’.