In a remarkable display of Nari Shakti, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has joined forces with the Ministry of Women and Child Development for a cross-country motorcycle expedition. The event, aptly named “Yashaswini,” celebrates the indomitable spirit of women in India.
On October 3, 150 CRPF officers, all women, set out on a journey that will cover an astonishing 10,000 kilometers, riding their Royal Enfield motorcycles through 15 states and 2 Union Territories.
The Yashaswini expedition represents not only a testament to women’s strength but also a commitment to the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) initiative. Thereby advocating for the protection of girl child rights and exemplifying the strength and unity of Indian women.
Divided into three teams, these fearless women embarked on their adventures from three different corners of the nation: Srinagar in the North, Shillong in the East, and Kanyakumari in the South. Their journey will culminate at the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat on National Integration Day (October 31), promising a grand finale that will be remembered for years to come.
Apart from the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, these valorous women will be carrying the message of “Desh Ke Hum Hain Rakshak” (We Are the Protectors of the Nation) – a slogan synonymous with the CRPF. The emblems of these initiative will adorn their uniforms and banners, ensuring that this essential message resonates throughout the country.
The Yashaswini expedition is more than just a bike rally; it’s a journey of empowerment, unity, and inclusiveness. As they ride through 121 districts, these women officers interact with various target groups, including school children, college girls, women self-help groups, cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), children of Childcare Institutions (CCIs), adolescent boys and girls, and Anganwadi workers. They also have the honour of felicitating “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” champions along their route.
A significant achievement occurred when one of the Yashaswini teams, traveling from Kanyakumari, reached the Group Centre CRPF in Bengaluru on the evening of October 12. This leg of their journey covered approximately 1250 kilometers and took them through the picturesque landscapes of Thiruananthapuram, Madurai, Pondicherry, Avadi, Vellur, Krishnagiri, and Hosur. The Department of Women and Child Development, Karnataka State, honoured these trailblazing women with a felicitation ceremony on October 13.
The Bengaluru Commissioner of Police, B Dayananda, proudly flagged off this all-women motorcycle expedition from Bengaluru after their visit to the city.
In his address, the Commissioner of Police highlighted the expedition’s significance, emphasising its role in breaking stereotypes, and empowering women in uniform. He hailed the women of CRPF as protectors, warriors, and symbols of courage and resilience, encapsulating the very essence of Nari Shakti.
The Commissioner posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This rally is not just about motorcycles and kilometers; it’s about breaking stereotypes, shattering glass ceilings, and showing the world that women can excel in any field they choose. Wish them a safe successful and enjoyable ride to Kevadia from Namma Bengaluru…”
Yes, this extraordinary journey is not just a rally; it’s a beacon of hope, strength, and empowerment, illuminating the path for women across the nation. An opportunity for the citizens of India to understand the importance of empowering girl children with the power of knowledge.