Ishita Sharma: The Woman Teaching India’s Daughters to Fight Back

What if self-defense wasn’t just a skill, but a movement? That’s exactly what Ishita Sharma is building—one school, one girl, one punch at a time.

Most people know Ishita Sharma as an actor and spoken word artist. But behind the screen, she’s making an even bigger impact through her non-profit MukkaMaar, which empowers young girls across India by teaching them free self-defense in government schools. It’s not just about learning to block or punch—it’s about building confidence, courage, and control in a society that too often denies girls the space to feel safe.

Ishita started MukkaMaar after noticing something deeply disturbing: while urban parents might pay for karate classes, millions of girls in under-resourced schools grow up never being taught how to protect themselves—or that they even have the right to. Her organization stepped into that gap. Today, MukkaMaar operates in Mumbai’s municipal schools, training girls aged 10–16 in a unique mix of physical and psychological defense.

Here’s the kicker: Ishita Sharma didn’t just create a curriculum; she created a movement. MukkaMaar's sessions focus on voice and body language just as much as they do on combat skills. Girls are taught to say “No” with power. They learn to walk tall. And they learn that strength isn’t just muscle—it’s mindset.

While terms like “empowerment” and “safety for women” are thrown around loosely, Ishita Sharma is making them real and measurable. In fact, her approach has caught the attention of educators, psychologists, and even policymakers.

What makes Ishita’s work unforgettable is her refusal to wait for change. She’s not just raising awareness—she’s raising a generation of fearless girls who know they matter and who won’t be silenced.

For young changemakers, Ishita Sharma is more than a name. She’s a reminder that real power comes from giving others the tools to stand tall, speak loud, and strike back when it matters most.