The department of Mental Health Nursing in collaboration with The Government of Karnataka, Karnataka State commission for Women, Bengaluru, District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Women and Child development, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi an awareness program on Girl Child Safety and Self Defense skills on 08.09.2026 at 10 am at Dr. B.S. Jirge Auditorium, KLE Centenary Convention Center, Belagavi. The objective of the program creating awareness among students regarding personal safety, gender sensitivity, women's rights and the importance of self-defence. The programme commenced with a warm welcome to the dignitaries, faculty members, staff and students. The function was inaugurated symbolically through the watering of a plant, representing growth, hope, nurturing and the collective responsibility of society towards creating a safe environment for every girl child. The programme was graced by the presence of Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary, Chairperson, Karnataka State Commission for Women, as the Chief Guest. The dignitaries were welcomed with floral bouquets followed by a formal introduction of the Chief Guest by Prof. (Dr) Veereshkumar. Nandagaon, Principal, KAHER, INS, Belagavi. Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary delivered an insightful keynote address and guest lecture on Girl Child Safety. She emphasised the importance of awareness, confidence, education, protection of rights and collective responsibility in ensuring the safety and empowerment of girls and women in working place. During her address, Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary highlighted the importance of knowing and using the available emergency and support services for women and girls. She briefed the participants about the Emergency Helpline 112, which can be contacted for immediate assistance during emergencies, and the Women Helpline 181, which provides support and assistance to women in distress. She also sensitised the students about Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, which can be used to report cybercrime and seek assistance in cases of online financial fraud and other cyber-related offences. The Chief Guest further created awareness about the National Commission for Women’s online complaint portal (NCW), where women can seek assistance and register complaints related to violence, harassment and other violations of women's rights. She also explained the role of Sakhi – One Stop Centres, which provide integrated support and

assistance to women affected by violence, including access to medical, legal, psychological and counselling services under one roof. The session encouraged students to remain alert, be aware of their rights and seek timely assistance whenever they or someone they know faces a situation involving violence, abuse, harassment or

other safety concerns. Followed by the session, presidential remarks was given by our esteemed Registrar, Dr. Vishwanath.M. Pattanshetti, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi.

The programme also included a practical demonstration of self-defence skills by the Department of Women and Child development. The demonstration provided students with practical knowledge regarding personal safety, awareness and appropriate responses during potentially unsafe situations. Smt. A. Rukamini, PSI, market station and “Akka Pade” incharge and team spoken on “Akka Pade” initiative of the Government of karnataka. Akka Pade teams work to prevent violence, harassement and other forms of abuse against women and children. The team is working to create awareness about child marriage, child abuse, sexual violence, substance abuse, women’s right, trafficking and available legal protections. The program was smoothly coordinated and conducted by Mrs. Sushma Patil, Asst Prof, Department of Mental Health Nursing, KAHER, INS, Belagavi served as the Master of Ceremony and ensured the effective coordination and seamless flow of the program. The total number of beneficiaries is around 1200 from various constituents of KAHER, Belagavi. The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, organisers, faculty members, staff and students for their valuable contribution and participation. The event concluded with the National Anthem.