Srinagar, April 29: National Child Development Council (NCDC) conducted its recent Core Committee meeting, with the important agenda of providing students with rudimentary life skills — chiefly self-defense and self-sufficiency — to make them capable of tackling challenges in actual life.
The debate started with a clarification regarding the twofold significance of both “self-defense” and “self-independence.” Members concurred that whereas self-defense encompasses physical protection and safety, self-independence refers to everyday life skills such as rudimentary driving knowledge and emergency preparedness.
Committee members one and all stressed the importance of incorporating martial arts like karate, boxing, and traditional ones like Silambam in school curricula from the 5th standard. “This training can prevent child abuse and build physical strength as well as moral character,” a committee member opined. It was decided that boys and girls alike require equal exposure to self-defense education because of increasing cases of physical attacks and abuse.
Another important resolution suggested was the compulsory memorization of emergency and guardian contact numbers by children from as early as first standard. “Even in the digital age, memorizing phone numbers can be a lifesaver in crisis situations,” said a speaker.
The committee also addressed the rising trend of underage and untrained driving among students. They recommended introducing basic road safety and driving awareness modules post-10th standard to reduce accidents and promote lawful driving practices.
A member added, “Including such subjects in schools is not just an academic addition; it is a step toward building a generation that is alert, safe, and self-sufficient.”
