Lucknow: In a move ostensibly aimed at promoting personal safety and community preparedness, Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Monday distributed sticks to nearly 2,500 youths as part of a self-defence initiative in the state.
A large number of youths from several districts participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Rajbhar — who also heads the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) — said the initiative was aimed at encouraging confidence, discipline and self-reliance among young people living in rural and semi-urban areas. He emphasised that the sticks were meant purely for “self-defence and training purposes”, and not for aggression or unlawful activities.
Referring to the sticks as “unlicensed weapons”, the Cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath-headed government said: “The objective is to ensure that our youth feel empowered to protect themselves in difficult situations. Self-defence is not about violence, but about awareness, courage and readiness.”
Officials said the distribution drive was accompanied by basic demonstrations on how to use the sticks responsibly for self-protection. Trainers briefed participants on situational awareness, restraint, and the legal boundaries of self-defence. Pamphlets highlighting safety guidelines and emergency helpline numbers were also distributed.
According to the organisers, similar events are being planned in other districts, with a focus on combining physical training with civic education.
Even as some Opposition leaders questioned the symbolism of distributing sticks, government representatives said that the initiative should be seen in the context of traditional self-defence practices and confidence-building measures. They added that the administration remains committed to strengthening law and order through institutional mechanisms.
