The initiative aims to educate youth and citizens on the growing threats of cybercrime and promote digital safety, responsible internet use, and awareness against online frauds.

Nagpur, Maharashtra : October 7, 2025

The Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Management Studies and Research (DAIMSR) organised a Cyber Crime Awareness Road March on Monday with the mission of spreading awareness about the growing menace of cyber threats, online frauds, and the importance of digital vigilance among the public. The march, held in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity professionals, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and members of the community.

The awareness drive began in the morning from the institute’s campus at Deekshabhoomi, where hundreds of students gathered carrying placards, banners, and slogans on cyber safety. The participants marched through prominent routes of the city — including Abhyankar Nagar, Dharampeth, and Variety Square — engaging with citizens, distributing pamphlets, and raising slogans that promoted safe and responsible use of digital technology.

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Educating the Public on Cyber Risks

The central objective of the road march was to educate the general public about the alarming rise in cybercrimes such as phishing, data theft, identity fraud, financial scams, fake social media accounts, and online harassment. With India’s rapid digital expansion and increasing smartphone penetration, cybercrime incidents have surged by over 25% in the past year, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. S. Pande, Director of DAIMSR, emphasised that the institute’s initiative is part of its commitment to social responsibility and holistic education.

“As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It is our duty as educators to ensure our students and community are aware, alert, and equipped to protect themselves online,” Dr. Pande said.

He added that digital literacy is now as vital as traditional literacy, and the next generation must be taught to differentiate between safe and unsafe online practices.

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Partnership with Law Enforcement and Experts

The event was organised in partnership with the Cyber Crime Division of Nagpur Police, which provided expert insights and educational materials during the march.

Inspector (Cyber Cell) Ramesh Borkar, who inaugurated the road march, highlighted that most victims of cybercrime fall prey due to a lack of awareness and negligence in sharing personal information online.

“The majority of cyber frauds can be prevented by following simple precautions — not clicking unknown links, avoiding unverified apps, and protecting OTPs and passwords,” he said.

Officers also explained how cyber hygiene — such as regularly updating passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious emails — plays a key role in prevention.

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Students as Cyber Ambassadors

Over 500 students from management and IT departments took part in the march, wearing T-shirts with the slogan “Think Before You Click” and carrying awareness banners with messages like:

• “Be Smart, Be Safe — Stay Cyber Secure.”
• “Don’t Share OTPs or Passwords — Even with Friends.”
• “Report, Don’t Ignore — Stop Cyber Crime.”

Students distributed awareness leaflets to shopkeepers, auto drivers, and pedestrians, explaining how scammers operate on social media and digital payment platforms. The event turned into an interactive learning experience, as citizens shared their own encounters with suspicious messages and fake job offers.

According to Prof. Neha Lanjewar, head of the organising committee, the road march helped students bridge academic knowledge with social responsibility.

“Our aim is not only to teach management and technology but to shape responsible digital citizens. Every student here becomes a cyber safety messenger in their community,” she said.

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Workshops and Demonstrations

Following the march, a cyber awareness workshop was held in the institute auditorium. Experts from the Maharashtra Cyber Department conducted live demonstrations on how phishing scams and data leaks occur, showing real-world examples of fraudulent websites and mobile apps that mimic legitimate platforms.

The session also discussed:

• AI-based frauds and deepfakes spreading misinformation.
• Social engineering attacks targeting youth through job offers, dating apps, and investment schemes.
• The importance of reporting incidents promptly through cybercrime.gov.in or local cyber police stations.

Participants learned practical skills to identify fake links, verify websites, and use privacy settings effectively. The experts urged everyone to treat cyber awareness as a collective responsibility, not merely an individual concern.

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Promoting Digital Ethics and Responsibility

The institute emphasised that cybercrime prevention isn’t just about technical defense but also about cultivating digital ethics — respect, accountability, and empathy in the online world.

Prof. Anjali Raut, Dean of Academics, spoke about the ethical dimension of online behavior.

“The digital world gives freedom, but it also demands responsibility. Misuse of social media or sharing false information is as harmful as hacking,” she said.

Students pledged to maintain integrity online and act as “digital guardians” within their peer groups and families.

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Community Response and Impact

The initiative was widely appreciated by local residents, shop owners, and commuters who paused to interact with students during the march. Many expressed that such awareness drives were the need of the hour given the growing number of scams involving UPI, credit card frauds, and identity theft.

Some parents also approached volunteers to seek advice on how to guide their children safely through social media.

The Cyber Crime Awareness Road March thus achieved its primary goal — to make cybersecurity a conversation that transcends age, profession, or technical background.

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Looking Ahead

Building on the success of the march, DAIMSR plans to establish a Cyber Awareness Club on campus to hold regular seminars, hackathons, and community outreach programs. The institute also announced an upcoming Certificate Course on Cyber Ethics and Responsible AI, in partnership with government agencies and cybersecurity firms.

“We envision our students becoming catalysts for digital safety — not just in Nagpur, but across India,” said Dr. Pande. “When educational institutions join hands with law enforcement, we can build a digitally secure nation.”

The initiative concluded with a pledge ceremony, where participants vowed to practice secure online habits, report cybercrime promptly, and promote digital awareness among friends and family.

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