Cyber Surakshit Bharat
(Empowering Future Technocrats at GPW Rehan)
Cybersecurity awareness is no longer optional; it is a necessity. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, educational institutions must equip students, faculty, and staff with the right knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.
Continuing our mission under the Cyber Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan, I had the privilege of conducting a cybersecurity awareness session at Government Polytechnic for Women, Rehan.
The Journey to GPW Rehan
From February 24 to 28, 2025, I was at GPW Rehan for a Faculty Development Program (FDP) conducted by NITTTR Chandigarh, alongside Dr. Amit Doeger from NITTTR Chandigarh. During my interaction with faculty members, I shared insights about my cybersecurity awareness initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of this mission, Principal Dr. Satish Kumar Katwal and Dr. Kulwardhan, HOD-CSE, extended an invitation for me to address students, faculty, and staff on the critical aspects of cybersecurity. Their commitment to providing a safe digital learning environment was truly commendable. Despite a packed FDP schedule, this session was organized separately during a free period, ensuring maximum participation.
GPW Rehan: A Beacon of Technical Education in Rural India
Located in the scenic district of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, GPW Rehan plays a crucial role in providing technical education to students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Kangra, nestled within the Himalayan region, offers unique challenges and opportunities for students pursuing technical education. The institution stands as a pillar of empowerment, fostering skill development and preparing students for a technology-driven future.
An Overwhelming Response
On the day of the session, I was amazed to see an audience of nearly 300 attendees—students, faculty, and staff members—all eager to learn about cybersecurity. The enthusiasm in the room was electrifying, and their curiosity reaffirmed the growing need for cybersecurity awareness programs. Seeing such a large gathering, I felt deeply moved, realizing the immense impact such awareness sessions can have on shaping a secure digital future for young minds..
Key Takeaways from the Session
The session focused on real-world cybersecurity threats, especially those that young students and professionals commonly face. Some of the key topics covered included:
🔹 Social Media Safety – Understanding privacy settings, avoiding oversharing, and recognizing online scams.
🔹 Phishing Awareness – Identifying and preventing email, SMS, and social engineering scams.
🔹 Online Harassment & Cyberbullying – Legal protections and strategies to combat cyber threats.
🔹 Safe Digital Transactions – Best practices to prevent financial fraud and identity theft.
The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss real-life cyber challenges. It was heartening to see such active engagement from students and faculty alike.
Empowering Girl Students in Cybersecurity
GPW Rehan is dedicated to empowering young women through technical education. Most of the students come from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, making it crucial to provide them with cybersecurity knowledge that ensures their digital safety and confidence. Conducting this session voluntarily was my way of contributing to their empowerment, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to protect themselves in the digital landscape. Cybersecurity awareness is especially vital for young women as they are often more vulnerable to online threats.
A Mission That Grows Stronger
The overwhelming response from GPW Rehan strengthened my resolve to continue spreading cybersecurity awareness through volunteer lectures, social media initiatives, and community-driven efforts. The participation and eagerness of students reaffirmed that the future of cybersecurity lies in educating and empowering our youth.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Principal Dr. Satish Kumar Katwal, Dr. Kulwardhan (HOD-CSE), and the entire GPW Rehan faculty for their support in organizing this session, special thanks to Er. Vivek Sharma, Lecturer, ME, for his unwavering support in ensuring our daily commute from the hotel to the institute and back. A very special thanks to Dr. Amit Doeger and NITTTR Chandigarh for the FDP, which provided the platform for this collaboration.
Together, let’s continue working towards a Cyber-Surakshit Bharat! 🚀🔒🚀🔒
