Striking Away Stereotypes…one punch at a time!
At Literacy India, the philosophy of lifelong learning is woven into every program. One of its most impactful initiatives is Martial Arts, which has grown beyond sport—becoming a runway to empowerment, leadership, and livelihood for many. The program has not only just national and international-level athletes- it has also certified coaches and referees—many of whom are first-generation learners.
Among these trailblazers are Jugantara, Natasha, and Mohini, whose journeys began on the mat and now extend to national-level coaching certifications and referee roles. These young achievers have not only mastered their sport but now mentor the next generation, continuing a powerful cycle of growth and inspiration.
Jugantara
Judo Enthusiast to Life Skills Mentor
“When I enrolled in the Pathshala program at Literacy India in Grade 5, Judo was just an after-school activity that seemed fun. But with time—and the encouragement of my coach—it became clear that it offered much more than physical fitness. I began participating in competitions, winning my first bronze medal in the sixth grade. Since then, there’s been no looking back: over 50 medals, including 30 golds, now line my journey. “With Literacy India’s continued support, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and now serve as a Physical Training Instructor at Vidyapeeth. I not only train students in sports and self-defence but also empower them with essential life skills—like understanding Good Touch and Bad Touch, especially important for young girls.
It’s not just about physical activity, we’re building confidence, awareness, and strength—inside and outside. Once a parent withdrew her daughter from self-defence classes, concerned she was being trained to be a wrestler. I invited the mother to attend a class, explained the importance of self-defence, and demonstrated the techniques. The mother returned, convinced, and her daughter rejoined the program.
Seeing girls come back after school, excited to train, is the most fulfilling part of my work. I know I chose the right path—and now I help others find theirs.”
Natasha
From Curious Onlooker to National Judo Referee
What began as simply accompanying her younger brother to judo classes at Literacy India turned into a life-changing journey for Natasha.
Inspired by seeing girls on the mat, she joined judo while still in Grade 5 — and there was no looking back. Within months, she clinched a bronze at the District level and a gold at the State Championship. A village-level felicitation boosted her morale further.
By Grade 6, Natasha competed at the National Championship in Kerala, and in Grade 7, she struck gold again at the International level in Bhutan! And then the medals kept pouring in. Facing tough financial challenges at home, Natasha turned to Literacy India not just for support, but to contribute, working briefly as a Physical Training Instructor. Recognising her potential, the organisation helped her train as a certified Judo Coach.
Today, Natasha travels across the country as a National-level Judo Referee, proudly carrying the torch forward.
“Judo gave me confidence, direction, and security. Thanks to Literacy India, I found my strength — now I encourage other young girls to discover theirs. Sports, alongside academics, can truly transform lives!”
Mohini’s First Medal, A Future in the Making
Arising star from Literacy India Vidyapeeth, Mohini, a Grade V student, recently won her first bronze medal at the National Games—a remarkable achievement just two years into her martial arts journey.
Her dedication and discipline have already marked her as one of the country’s most promising young athletes.
For Mohini- “this bronze is not just a medal—it is pride, passion, and a symbol of possibility for girls like me.”
Mohini’s success is a powerful reflection of how opportunity, training, and belief can unlock potential at any age.
More Than a Sport
The Martial Arts initiative reflects Literacy India’s core belief that education goes beyond textbooks. It’s about confidence, resilience, and opportunity—skills that these young athletes carry into every arena of life.
From first steps on the mat to national recognition, these students are breaking barriers and rewriting their futures—one move at a time.
Strengthening Last-Mile Access
Literacy India, in partnership with Haqdarshak Social Partner, organised Service Camps across five communities—Vidyapeeth Campus, Bajghera, Dharam Colony, Carterpuri, Mullaera, and Gupta Colony—assisting over 1,000 residents.
The one-stop helpdesks supported Aadhaar & PPP updates, PAN and Voter ID applications, Ayushman Bharat enrolments, and provided guidance on welfare schemes.
Community participation was high, with many residents completing long-pending documentation—saving time, costs, and effort. The initiative restored a sense of inclusion and empowerment.
The Camps addressed key challenges like migration-linked document gaps, unregistered mobile numbers, high CSC service costs, and low awareness. These were tackled through awareness drives, eligibility checks, and on-the-spot assistance.
This initiative underscored the critical role of community-level facilitation, affordable access, and awareness in ensuring long-term, inclusive development.
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