KNOCKING OUT HARASSMENT WITH THEATRE
Delhi Police is reaching nukkads with nukkad nataks to spread awareness about selfdefence training
If you see a group of youngsters performing a nukkad natak with the Delhi Police around your neighbourhood one of these days, don’t be surprised. Delhi Police is utilising the power of street theatre to spread awareness about their selfdefense training program.
“Nukkad nataks are organised to create awareness regarding crime against women, empowerment of women and other social initiatives taken by Delhi Police. They also spread awareness about learning selfdefense techniques,” says Esha Pandey, DCP, Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Delhi Police.
Street plays organised under this programme, saw a sharp rise in 2017. “Last year, we organised 148 nukkad nataks in the Capital, as compared to just 10 in 2016, besides training over one lakh women,” Pandey adds.
Students from all over Delhi have participated in this initiative, which has slowly turned into a movement of sorts. Malvika Singh, a JNU student, says, “Though I’ve performed for the first time, I felt a sense of responsibility. The message we are giving is leaving an impact,” adding about how responding to harassment requires exercising discretion and being mindful of one’s surroundings, “Most of the girls being trained are schoolgoing, and to tell them where and how to react requires responsibility.” Singh is a part of a theatre group called The Color Bakery, which has members from Delhi University, as well.
Those who have undergone the training, conducted by 52 women and 6 men police personnel in the city, feel safer and more self-reliant. Usha Sharma, a class 12 student, says, “I always knew that learning self-defence is important, but had never enrolled in any classes. I joined Sashakti as my friend had also done it before. I feel confident now, as I know the basics of self-defence and can deal with odd situations.”
According to Delhi Police data, crime against women in the Capital went down by 14.42% in 2017, and Sashakti has been credited as a major factor. Madhur Verma, DCP and PRO, Delhi Police, says, “The training promotes awareness and motivates women in the Capital to raise their voice against what is wrong. It also gives them the confidence to fight back. The initiative works as a deterrent for the mischievous elements of the society, working in unison with other programmes such as dedicated helpline numbers, help desks, and beat officers.”