Tag: cyber safety

TechPulse

Social Media Has Replaced the Traditional Police Khabri, Says SP Sunita Sawant

allycaralgoa

Panaji, November 2025 — In a thought-provoking address delivered at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary lecture series, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant highlighted how the landscape of information and policing has radically shifted with the rise of social media. Once reliant on the quiet but steady presence of the khabri—the traditional informer sitting at village corners—police forces now face an overwhelming tide of digital information, much of it unverified and potentially dangerous.

“Earlier, a khabri was someone who observed community life closely—who arrived, who left, what changed,” Sawant said during her lecture titled ‘Police and Public: Expectations and Responsibilities’. “This information was discreet, dependable, and responsibly shared. Today, social media has taken over that role, but without the filters of verification or accountability.”

She warned that rumours and misinformed posts can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviour and law-and-order disruptions, making responsible digital behaviour crucial.

Despite this shift, Sawant stressed that trust between the public and police remains the backbone of effective policing. “Safety doesn’t come from enforcement alone. It comes when people share vigilance and civic responsibility. Public cooperation prevents crimes even before they occur.”

Policing as a Human Service

Sawant shared two emotional cases that shaped her approach to policing—Goa’s first human trafficking case, in which she helped secure convictions across India and Bangladesh, and a missing student she supported who later called her for blessings before her wedding.

“These moments remind us that policing is not paperwork. We are counsellors, guardians, protectors. Compassion saves futures,” she said.

Modern, Future-Ready Policing

Sawant highlighted several initiatives being strengthened within the Goa Police:

  • Commando and anti-terror training
  • Disaster response readiness
  • Upgraded investigation protocols
  • Digital community outreach through YouTube & WhatsApp

“Modern policing anticipates risk,” she noted. “We must adapt to social change and support communities long before wrongdoing occurs.”

The lecture underscored a powerful message: policing is evolving, but community trust, cooperation and responsible information-sharing remain essential pillars of public safety.

EduConnect

SVVM College and Ponda Police Host Cyber Safety Awareness Session to Empower Digital Citizens

Tanisha Cardozo

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, took a significant step towards fostering digital responsibility by organizing an insightful Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 13th October 2025. The event was a collaborative effort by the college’s Computer Club and NSS Unit, held in partnership with the Ponda Police Department. With the digital world becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable, the session aimed to educate students on the risks and responsibilities associated with their online presence.

The session was led by Mr. Bansal Naik, Police Sub-Inspector at Ponda, and Mr. Lavu Gawas, Police Constable, who brought in-depth field experience to the discussion. They addressed the students on the alarming rise in cybercrimes, highlighting issues such as phishing attacks, identity theft, cyberbullying, and data breaches. Their presentations included guidance on adopting preventive practices like using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and maintaining vigilant privacy settings on social platforms.

What set this session apart was its use of real-life case studies and examples, which made the information both practical and relatable for students. These case studies sparked interactive dialogue, encouraging participants to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on their own digital behavior. Legal aspects related to cybercrimes were also discussed, with specific references to the Information Technology Act, ensuring students understood their rights and responsibilities under the law.

In his welcome address, Principal Achut Pednekar emphasized the importance of cyber vigilance and the role of education in shaping responsible digital citizens. He acknowledged the efforts of both the Ponda Police and the college’s organizing teams in making the event a meaningful experience for students.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mrs. Sneha Lotlikar, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Ponda Police officers, the student participants, and everyone involved in bringing the session to life. A college spokesperson highlighted the collaboration as a proactive step towards building a culture of cyber awareness, safety, and legal literacy among young digital users.

EduConnect

Karamat College Hosts Cultural Fashion Show and Empowerment Programme Under Mission Shakti

Tanisha Cardozo

Karamat Husain Muslim Girls’ PG College in Lucknow witnessed a celebration of culture and consciousness as it hosted a cultural fashion show and women’s empowerment programme under the Uttar Pradesh government’s Mission Shakti 5.0 initiative. The event, aimed at raising awareness about women’s rights, safety, and self-reliance, also spotlighted the rich cultural legacy of Awadh.

The fashion show, titled Libas-e-Lucknow, was presented in collaboration with Aadab Arz Lucknow and the Kabeer Manjari Cultural Club. Students walked the ramp wearing traditional ghararas and shararas embellished with intricate chikankari and zardozi embroidery, reviving classic Awadhi artistry. The vibrant display of craftsmanship reflected Lucknow’s heritage and gave the audience a visual feast rooted in culture and grace.

Chief guest Prof. Mandvi Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Bhatkhande University, applauded the merging of art and social messaging. She encouraged the youth to uphold the city’s timeless traditions, saying, “It is the responsibility of youngsters to preserve heritage, especially when the fast-paced world often sidelines culture.”

Special guest Ayesha Safwi, co-founder of the cultural collective Numaya, highlighted the enduring significance of Lucknow’s art forms and how they symbolize both beauty and resilience. College principal Prof. Huma Khwaja called the fashion show “a celebration of the soul of Lucknow,” emphasizing that cultural pride and women’s empowerment can go hand in hand.

The second part of the event was an informative and inspiring empowerment programme under Mission Shakti 5.0, focusing on women’s safety in both physical and digital spaces. It was attended by senior police officials including ADCP (Central Zone) Jitendra Kumar Dubey and ACP (Mahanagar) Ankit Kumar. ACP Apoorva Pandey gave students a brief history of feminist movements and shared practical advice on safe social media practices. Inspector Rashmi Parihar provided students with emergency helpline numbers—1090, 181, 1930, 112—and directed them to cybercrime.gov.in for reporting online threats. She emphasized the fundamental importance of understanding and respecting consent.

Syed Naved Ahmad, manager of the college, commended the dual-theme programme for educating and inspiring the youth. “Such initiatives do not just entertain or inform; they equip young minds with tools to stay safe and be proud of their identity in a digital world,” he said.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Principal Prof. Huma Khwaja, who recited a poignant couplet to leave the audience inspired and united in purpose. The day marked a powerful synergy of tradition and empowerment, bringing together beauty, bravery, and awareness under one roof.

EduConnect

Goa Expands ITKC Network to Empower Youth with Future-Ready Digital Skills

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 07, 2025 – In a progressive move toward digital equity and future-readiness, the Government of Goa has announced the empanelment of new Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) under the ST/SC Empowerment through ICT Scheme.

The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for ITE&C Rohan A. Khaunte at PAC Hall Secretariat, Porvorim, in the presence of top officials from the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG).

💡 Aimed at Building Careers, Not Just Skills

The newly empanelled ITKCs will now operate in six additional talukas: Bardez, Ponda, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona.

These centres will offer over 33 foundational and advanced courses in high-demand domains such as:

  • Ethical Hacking
  • 3D Design
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cyber Safety for Women
  • Robotics
  • Project Management
  • Basic Computer Literacy

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said,

“We aim to deepen digital access and provide structured skilling to empower SC and ST youth, helping them become self-reliant and career-ready.”

💻 Free Laptops and Drone Didi Initiative

The scheme goes further than training.

  • Free laptops will be provided to eligible EWS and OBC students pursuing engineering in Goa.
  • Goa also becomes the first state to focus on drone pilot training for women SHGs, aligned with the national Drone Didi scheme, promoting rural micro-entrepreneurship.

🌐 Building a Future-Ready Goa

Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated,

“This is about inclusive tech. We’re not only creating jobs—we’re creating digital citizens who can lead innovation in their communities.”

The ITKCs are part of Goa’s broader citizen-first digital policy, aiming to build inclusive growth, equal opportunity, and a future-ready workforce.

Events in Goa

Duler Parish Empowers Grandparents and Elders with Cybercrime Awareness on Appreciation Day

Tanisha Cardozo

The Parish of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, came alive with spirit, song, and sincere gratitude on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as it marked Grandparents’ and Elders’ Appreciation Day with warmth and purpose. Spearheaded by the Social Apostolate Cell (SAC) and Family Apostolate Cell (FAC), the event honoured the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of the senior members of the community.

The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, beautifully attended by parishioners and dedicated to the Grandparents and Elders. The Senior Citizens’ Forum of the parish joined hands with the SAC to create a meaningful prayer service followed by an Educational-Cultural Celebration that brought generations together.

Through touching Konkani songs and skits, the Catechism Children and Youth not only paid tribute to the elders but also brought attention to a pressing modern issue — Cybercrime.

The Chief Guest, DySP Wilson Cipriano D’Souza, applauded the parish for blending tradition with contemporary challenges. He assured seniors that the Mapusa Police stands with them and encouraged them to approach his office for any support.

The highlight of the day was an insightful presentation by Cybercrime Branch Inspector Vidyanand Pawar, who explained the evolving nature of digital frauds targeting elders and offered practical safety tips for using smartphones, banking apps, and social media.

Adding grace to the celebration were Justice Sabino Braganza and Range Forest Officer Maryann D’Souza, both special invitees who reinforced the message of appreciation and empowerment.

A delightful cultural performance by the Senior Citizens, featuring a traditional Mando, fashion show, and musical acts, brought joy and connection to the community. The event closed with a joyful fellowship lunch.

In the evening, the celebration extended beyond the church walls. The FAC, Parish Pastoral Council, and Somudai leaders reached out to the homebound and isolated elders, gifting them handmade cards by Catechism children and tokens of love, ensuring no one was left behind.

Fr Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, summed it up best:

“Our elders are timeless beacons of faith and wisdom. Today, we not only honour them but also stand by them as a community.”

Indeed, the event was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the dignity, safety, and shared identity of the Parish’s senior citizens.