Last updated on February 26th, 2026 at 10:04 pm
India’s standoff with violence against women has significantly increased in the past few years. We hear of very few cases where survivors have been able to defend themselves or raise their voice against the violence. At the Bhajan Global Impact Foundation (BGIF), we believe that training in self-defense has become a critical necessity, not only as a tool for staying safe but as a pathway to encourage women to express themselves with unshakeable confidence.
To bridge this gap, BGIF launched the HaqRakshak ‘Power to Women’ self-awareness and self-defense workshops across the Hisar parliamentary region.
The Grim Reality: Why Haryana Needs This Intervention
To understand the urgency of this initiative, one must look at the harsh realities women face in the region. The statistics for Haryana highlight a dire need for extensive work on the safety and security of women and girls:
Highest rate of gangrape in India (5 times the national average).
- Second highest rate of kidnapping and abduction of women in the country.
- Second lowest charge-sheeting rate for gender-based crimes.
- Second highest rate of dowry deaths nationwide.
Given this environment, subjugation and lack of freedom of speech often become part of everyday life. We envisioned a program that would disrupt this narrative.
The HaqRakshak Workshops: Transforming Fear into Power
From the 26th to the 28th of September 2018, BGIF conducted seven intensive workshops across the assembly constituencies of Hisar, including Bhawani Khera, Nalwa, Hisar, Hansi, Barwala, Narnaund, and Uchana.
Each session saw the enthusiastic participation of 150 to 200 girls and women between the ages of 13 and 30. To deliver the highest caliber of training, we partnered with renowned self-defense specialist, Franklin Joseph.
The Methodology: Brain Over Brawn
Traditional martial arts often rely on physical strength, which can be a disadvantage against larger or armed attackers. Franklin Joseph’s approach is entirely different. Using combat science and neuro-behavior reprogramming techniques, he empowered participants to rely on strategy rather than size or strength during an assault.
The training covered a large spectrum of real-world threats, including grabbing, eve-teasing, sexual harassment, molestation, and kidnapping. Key takeaways included:
- Avoid, Prevent, and Escape: A strict focus on situational and psychological awareness to diffuse threats before physical violence occurs.
- Overcoming the “Freeze” Response: Teaching the psychological skills required to deal with the paralyzing fear and panic that typically accompany violent assaults.
- Instinct-Based Tactics: Utilizing effective, scientific tactics based on natural human reflexes, effectively nullifying the attacker’s physical strength.
This training was not just a tool for physical protection; it girded these young women with self-esteem, transforming their vulnerability into decisive confidence.
Our Inspiration: The Legacy of Ch. Bhajan Lal
Read Franklin Joseph Corporate Women Empowerment / Self Defense ArticlesCall 9886769281 for Corporate WorkshopsThe driving force behind BGIF’s focus on gender equality and empowerment is the life and legacy of Ch. Bhajan Lal. The word ‘Bhajan’ literally means ‘to share’ in Sanskrit—a devotional offering of gratitude. Ch. Bhajan Lal embodied this essence completely.
Arriving in Adampur Mandi at just 17 years old with modest resources, his innate compassion and ability to connect with people’s daily struggles propelled him into public service. He earned the title ‘Jan Nayak’ (People’s Hero), eventually serving as the Chief Minister of Haryana for three terms and as a Union Cabinet Minister. Throughout his six decades in politics, he passionately championed women’s empowerment, rural rejuvenation, and community service.
Today, the Bhajan Global Impact Foundation immortalizes his vision. By walking the path he illuminated, we strive to create an ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, and impact—planting the seeds of change for a happier, healthier society.
A Future Without Fear
BGIF strongly believes that every woman has the inherent power and ability to defend herself. We envision a day when acts of crime against women are a thing of the past. Until that day arrives, we will tirelessly endeavor to equip women with the tools, tactics, and psychological resilience required to stand tall.
Discover more about the impact of our workshops and our mission to empower women here: http://bhajanfoundation.org/impact/haq-rakshak-power-to-women/
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Our all-encompassing strategy combines state-of-the-art Israeli Military Krav Maga self-defence methods with revolutionary psychological tactics like to help you maintain composure, assertiveness, and control whether you're negotiating a high-pressure boardroom or an unpredictable street or domestic encounter. Don't hesitate; give Specialist Franklin Joseph a call @ 9886769281 right now to learn the most important skills and become a part of the movement towards empowered life.
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