15/04/2026
Hi, I'm Jasmine Waskale, a 7th-grader from Sai Ram Leprosy Seva Samiti Colony in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. I live with my parents and siblings. From childhood, I've dreamt of learning self-defence to have the courage and the confidence to protect myself and others, but poverty and societal stereotypes kept it out of reach. Daily life terrified me. I hesitated to step outside, haunted by "What if something bad happens?" Shyness silenced me; helplessness and discrimination in our colony made me feel small and vulnerable.
Then, one day during a class in the After School Learning Centre run by S-ILF in our colony, the S-ILF staff shared about its Children Development Program self-defence program, a ray of hope! I convinced my parents, and Mom urged, "Become strong, beta."
Nervous at first, I dove in. Instructors taught kicks, punches, focus, and bold decisions. My body ached, mind tired, but their encouragement fuelled me. Within weeks, fear faded; confidence bloomed. I started participating in the district and state-level competitions. I have won many medals in these competitions. Madhya Pradesh State Championship, National-level Karate Championship. Recently, I won a silver medal at the Indore District Karate Championship.
Now, I walk tall through school. Friends and teachers who once pitied me now applaud my story. I'm self-reliant, ready for any challenge-no more hiding. The same paths that scared me now feel empowering.
“S-ILF didn't just teach skills; it gave me a new identity. Free from fear, I dream of international competitions and empowering every girl to unleash her strength. Thank you, S-ILF, you turned my dreams into power!”
- Jasmine Waskale
Self-defence training recipient
Children Development Program beneficiary
For more details, visit: www.silf.in
Youth SelfDefence Indore ChildrenDevelopmentProgram Leprosy EndStigma EndDiscrmination
