31st October 2023, Chhattisgarh: Quick Heal Technologies Limited, through its CSR arm – Quick Heal Foundation, unveiled a transformative initiative, “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn”, in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. In a pioneering partnership with the Cyber Youth Development Association (CYDA), this program is set to revolutionize the digital landscape of Rajnandgaon and nurture a more resilient cyber community. Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal and Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation inaugurated the program, marking the commencement of an ambitious mission to bridge the cybersecurity knowledge gap in the region.
Rajnandgaon has been identified as an aspirational district, ranked second in the baseline assessment for India’s 101 aspirational districts by NITI Aayog, with a score of 47.96 percent. Through the “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn,” initiative, Quick Heal Foundation, with CYDA as the implementing partner, aims to contribute to the region’s cyber resilience, reducing the risk of cyber threats, and fostering a safer online environment.
The core objective of the “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn” program is to bring aspirational district talent to the mainstream, providing them with the opportunity to excel while enhancing cybersecurity awareness among the youth and the community in Rajnandgaon. Under the initiative, 40 dedicated student volunteers will be shortlisted, with 30 selected from Government Digvijay College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh and Government Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar College, Dongargaon, Chhattisgarh, while 10 will be selected from the community. These volunteers will undergo comprehensive training led by CYDA’s master trainers, who have received expert guidance from the Quick Heal Foundation. The training encompasses cyber awareness sessions, capacity-building workshops, and personality development programs.
Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal and Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation, said, “With the launch of ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn’ in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, we take a significant stride towards a safer, smarter digital future. In this age of connectivity, where the digital landscape is both our playground and our battleground, cybersecurity education is paramount. Our collaboration with the CYDA is aimed at empowering the youth and the community, not only with essential cybersecurity knowledge but also with skills that will prepare them for the digital age’s challenges and opportunities. By nurturing a generation of Cyber Warriors, we’re sowing the seeds of resilience and empowerment, ensuring that Rajnandgaon’s students and community members can navigate the digital world safely. We are committed to not just securing the digital future of this region but also fostering a spirit of growth and self-belief.”
Mr Praveen Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA, remarked, “At CYDA, we are delighted to partner with Quick Heal Foundation for the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn’ initiative in Rajnandgaon. It is an honor to help empower the youth and communities in the region with cybersecurity knowledge and skills, building a more secure digital future. Through comprehensive training and awareness campaigns, we are not only aiming to bridge the knowledge gap but also ensure the digital safety of the residents of Rajnandgaon in an increasingly connected world. This partnership represents a significant step towards fostering a more resilient and cyber-aware community.”
“Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn” aims to deliver a dual benefit: empowering young minds with essential cybersecurity knowledge for the digital age and extending this knowledge to the wider community. The 40 volunteers trained under the program will actively spread awareness in nearby schools and colleges, reaching approximately 40,000 students and 10,000 villagers, ensuring they understand the importance of online safety and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
Quick Heal Foundation’s “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn” initiative in Rajnandgaon represents a significant step towards creating a safer digital environment, fostering local talent to become vigilant Cyber Warriors, and ensuring a brighter and more secure future in the digital age.
