Didi , I can’t do this . I am fat . Everyone laughs at me “.
These were the first words Sakshi said to me when I met her after she missed the second day of our self defence camp.
Her voice was soft her eyes filled with fear and years of self doubt.
Sakshi is a 12th commerce student from satkondi a small village in khandala Ratnagiri. A simple, quite girl who always sat on the last bench in class. She never spoke much but she observed everything.
She wasn’t someone who drew attention. She never raised her hand or came forward. She blended into the background like many girls who grow up hearing “ you can’t do this ,” you’re not strong enough, Don’t try, you’ll fail.
When we started our 15 Day self defence summer camp in her college, Sakshi joined on the first day with a group of friends.
But the next day she didn’t come.Her classmates said quietly, Didi , she thinks she can’t do it she feels uncomfortable.
That day after the session, i waited outside her classroomWhen she came out , i gently askedSakshi, are you coming tomorrow?
She looked down. “ No Didi , I can’t bend….I can’t kick … i feel embarrassed. People laugh maybe this is not for girls like me “ .
I listened, then asked her , Do you think self defence is only for thin girls? Do you think being strong depends on size?
She didn’t answer .
I smiled and said, Come tomorrow not to prove anything to others.just for yourself. I’ll be watching not to judge, but to support.
The next day , she came. And that changed everything.
Breaking barriers, one step at a time…
Sakshi was hesitant. She moved slowly. Her kicks were weak, her punches unsure. But she tried. And she kept showing up .
For the first few days, she stayed at the back.she avoided eye contact.But she didn’t quit.
Day by day I saw a shift.Her movements became stronger. Her hesitation reduced. And most importantly she stopped caring about who was watching her .
The Day She Took Lead
One the last day of the camp , we held small showcase. Each girl had to demonstrate what she had learned.
One by one, all girls came forward confident, ready, strong…
Then , before I could call her name Sakshi stood up.
She walked to the front, took a breath, and faced crowd. Her voice was steady when she spoke.
“ On the first day, i wanted to quit. I thought my weight made me weak. I thought people would laugh. But today, i feel different. I know now that being strong is not about being thin it’s about believing in yourself. I can bend I can run , I can fight …
Then, with perfect form, she performed every move her kicks, her punches, her defence techniques are just best .
The crowd clapped but the it wasn’t just clap it was respect.
She walked back to her place her face glowing not with sweat but with confidence
Why this story matters…
Women’s day is not just about celebrating women it is about changing mindsets
Sakshi’s strory is the story of every girl who has ever felt not enough too fat, too thin , too short, too weak these are just labels. Your strength comes from within.
To my Audience…
Girls who has ever doubted herself you are enough your body does not define your ability. Your weight does not define your worth. You are powerful you are beautiful …
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