The charge of the Red Brigade

A Lucknow-based organisation is equipping girls to take on predators who are out to harass them

This year, a group of young women observed Valentine’s Day by wearing their trademark red and black outfits, and training young girls in the art of self-defence. Instead of roses and presents, they had something different in mind for men. “If your assailant grabs you from the back, you can hurt him hard like this,” said Usha Vishwakarma, demonstrating a lethal-looking move. “Perfect this move, and I’ll teach you others to be used in situations where you could be surrounded by two, even three men!”

The imagery is powerful. The festival of love is a particularly galling time for women