Building Confidence and Leadership Among Hill Women to Prevent Tragic Incidents Like Ankita Bhandari Case
Nanda Khal–Pali Chaubatta Khal / Pauri Garhwal
During the three-day Life Skills Training Workshop held at Nanda Khal-Pali Chaubatta Khal, practical training was provided on the ten essential life skills identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). These included self-awareness, empathy, critical and creative thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication, interpersonal skills, coping with stress & emotions. Along with this, discussions were held on the importance of developing a scientific outlook to distinguish between right and wrong in today’s information-driven society.
The training programme was conducted from January 18 to January 21, 2026, under the joint initiative of Friends of Himalaya and Bhalu Lagad Feel Good Trust for young women aged 18 to 21 years. It is noteworthy that earlier, as part of the same series, a similar life skills training programme had been organized for young men.
During various sessions of the workshop, these life skills were explained through real-life examples, group discussions, and practical exercises, enabling participants to apply them effectively in their daily lives. Special emphasis was laid on the need for informed and rational decision-making amidst the growing overflow of information in a rapidly changing social environment.
Programme coordinator Dr. Prem Bahukhandi stated that life skills form the foundation of mental well-being, self-reliance, and responsible citizenship for today’s youth. Mr. Sudhir Sundriyal, founder of Bhalu Lagad Feel Good Trust, said that the training prepares young women from hill regions to develop self-confidence, leadership abilities, and active social participation.
In this training camp, Dr. Prem Bahukhandi, Mr. Sudhir Sundriyal, and Ms. Lata Bhushan Banduni served as key resource persons. From the Azim Premji Foundation, Ms. Shweta and Mr. Rishabh Jadhari, along with self-defence trainer Ms. Sneha Joshi and Ms. Kiran Rawat, conducted interactive sessions on various subjects.
The overall management of the programme was handled under the leadership of Mr. Vijay Bhushan Banduni, with support from Mr. Ravindra Negi, Ms. Divya Dobhal, Mr. Abhishek Rawat, and Mr. Sujal Rawat.
During the workshop, District Panchayat Member Ms. Poonam Kaintura, former Block Pramukh Mr. Surendra Rawat, senior social worker Mr. Bhagwan Singh Rana, CDPO from the Women and Child Development Department Ms. Sushila Rawat, and Ms. Rekha Rawat shared their experiences with the participants and encouraged young women to engage actively in social processes.
The three-day life skills training workshop concluded with the resolve that young women of the hill regions will no longer remain mere spectators of circumstances, but will emerge as active agents shaping their own lives and the future of society.
