- Gujarat Minister of State for Education inspires young cadets to become ethical cyber warriors safeguarding India’s digital sovereignty in an era of invisible warfare
- Cyber Defender Course at Rashtriya Raksha University equips over 160 NCC cadets from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan with cutting-edge cyber security skills
- Gen. Bimal Monga-led initiative, in collaboration with NIELIT, blends technology, patriotism and discipline to build a new generation of cyber defenders
- Programme combines ethical hacking, cyber laws, digital banking security, Linux, penetration testing and live simulations to counter emerging cyber threats
- Institutional partnership advances the national vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047 by nurturing cyber-aware youth leaders and digital guardians
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 19
In a stirring call to India’s youth to defend not only the nation’s borders but also its digital frontiers, Rivaba Ravindrasinh Jadeja, Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Adult Education, Government of Gujarat, urged NCC cadets to become responsible cyber warriors capable of protecting the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
Inaugurating the 12-day Cyber Defender Course (CDC) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, the Minister described cyber security as a vital pillar of national security and exhorted cadets to combine discipline, integrity and technological excellence in service of the nation.
Addressing the cadets with an inspiring and morale-boosting message, she emphasised that India’s youth possess the potential to lead the global digital revolution while ensuring that cyberspace remains safe, ethical and resilient. She encouraged them to continuously upgrade their skills, embrace innovation and use technology responsibly for nation-building, noting that the future of a developed India would be shaped as much in cyberspace as on the ground.
She observed that the National Cadet Corps has always moulded disciplined citizens and that programmes such as the Cyber Defender Course would prepare a new generation of digitally empowered leaders capable of countering emerging cyber threats while strengthening the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The intensive training programme, being conducted from June 18 to 29, has been organised under the vision of the NCC Gujarat Directorate in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and hosted by Rashtriya Raksha University.
The initiative reflects the nationwide Cyber Security Capacity Building Programme launched jointly by NCC and NIELIT to create a cadre of trained cyber cadets who can promote cyber awareness and safe digital practices at the grassroots level while supporting national cyber security priorities.
Conducted under the guidance of Maj. Gen. Bimal Monga, SM, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Gujarat Directorate, the programme has brought together more than 160 Senior Division and Senior Wing NCC cadets from the Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan Directorates for an intensive 60-hour residential training module delivered by expert faculty from NIELIT.
The curriculum covers cyber security fundamentals, Linux basics, the CIA Triad, ethical hacking, penetration testing, cyber laws, cyber crime reporting mechanisms, smartphone security, cyber fraud prevention, digital banking safety and live cyber simulation exercises, enabling cadets to develop practical skills for identifying and responding to evolving cyber threats.
The programme is designed not merely to impart technical expertise but also to instil ethical cyber conduct, responsible digital behaviour and a deep understanding of the importance of protecting India’s critical digital infrastructure.
The Cyber Defender Course forms the advanced phase of NCC’s national cyber security initiative, focusing on practical exposure, simulations and hands-on cyber defence capabilities after foundational digital awareness training. (Press Information Bureau)
The programme has received extensive institutional support from Rashtriya Raksha University under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor, with the university providing academic infrastructure, advanced training facilities and logistical support to strengthen national security education through capacity building.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Bimal Monga, SM, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Gujarat Directorate; Brig. S. S. Jamwal, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters Ahmedabad; Col. Muneesh Jasotia, Commanding Officer, 37 Gujarat Battalion NCC; Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Rashtriya Raksha University; Dr. Dharmesh Kumar Prajapati, Registrar, Rashtriya Raksha University; and Lt. (Dr.) Gaurav Singh Kushwah, Director, School of NCC and Police Martial Music Band.
At the university level, the programme is being coordinated by the School of NCC and Police Martial Music Band under the leadership of Lt. (Dr.) Gaurav Singh Kushwah, with faculty members ensuring the seamless execution of one of India’s most advanced cyber capacity-building initiatives for youth.
The Cyber Defender Course stands as a pioneering example of collaboration between NCC, NIELIT and Rashtriya Raksha University, empowering cadets to emerge as ambassadors of cyber awareness and digital resilience while preparing India for the challenges of the next-generation security landscape.
