Emphasising on physical training aspect to bring women empowerment, former President Pratibha Patil today said it is important to impart martial arts or combat sports training to girls at a young age.
"Now, time has come when we should start giving Judo and Karate training to girls right from school days. This will instill a sense of self-protection and security among them. There have been so many cases when young girls averted untoward situations," Patil said addressing a function organised by Vidarbha Vaibhav Mandir Trust here.
"People say we need to change our mentality towards the women...Yes I too say so. But, I also say if one really needs to change the mentality then start educating your children at an early age and tell them how to behave and respect girls and women," she said.
Underlining the struggle women face in day-to-day life, she said, "Women face taboo and superstitions even today which hinder their way to success despite the fact they are dynamic in so many roles they play and return in manifold to the society whatever they get from it."
On the occasion, Patil presented 'Vidarbha Gaurav' to IAS officer Bhagyashree Banayat from Amaravati district, entrepreneur Pratima Raut.
Noted historian and author Purushottam Nagpure was conferred with 'Jeevan Gaurav' award for his contribution to Marathi literature in he past six decades.
