The Sundargarh police on Monday launched a new project of young girls ‘Durga’ coinciding the International Daughter’s Day which was observed on Sunday and ahead of festive season, to train young girls in self-defence.

With a slogan of ‘Shashakt Sundargarh and Surakshit Sundargarh, the project was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Western Range, Rourkela Niti Shekhar as chief guest. Ollywood actress Archita Sahu, Sundargarh SP Sagarika Nath and ASP Surendra Majhi were present.

Over 312 girl students from various educational institutions under Sundargarh police district were trained during the two- day programme.

The project ‘Durga’, includes three activities like self-defence training, a Naari Helpline and career counselling, to train girls mentally and physically. Girls studying from Class VIII to X were given basic hand-combat defence techniques by which they could avert any possible dangers. Professionals taught girls to escape the misbehaviour of miscreants. 20 schools under Sundargarh district police got the self defence training.

A 24X7 dedicated “Naari Helpline” to be managed under the guidance of Sundargarh SP Nath will assist women in countering their plights such as eve-easing, harassment, stalking and cyber crimes etc. The helpline number would be very soon dispensed across all the schools, girls’ hostels, colleges and other places under Sundargarh police, to lessen the density of crimes against women.

Similarly, a special professional guidance session was conducted on Tuesday at 10.30 am where the girls could directly interact with career professionals and explored the opportunities.