Bhubaneswar: Observed annually, Safer Internet Day aims to foster a safer and more responsible online environment. This year, on February 11, 2025, the global community came together under the theme ‘Together for a better internet’ to promote digital awareness and encourage collective action for a safer online world.
Safer Internet Day, observed in over 150 countries, emphasizes the need for a safe, inclusive, and secure online world, particularly for children and young adults. Through awareness campaigns, empowerment initiatives, and education, SID encourages individuals to take action against online abuse and promotes a culture of cyber safety. Communities, schools, and organizations worldwide host events and activities, making SID a rallying call for creating a positive, beneficial, and secure internet for everyone.
To mark the day, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Odisha, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India, at Shri Sathya Sai Women’s College and BJB Junior College organised workshops at Bhubaneswar.
National Informatics Centre conducted the first workshop in collaboration with Sathya Sai Women’s College in which more than 250 students and faculty members participated and discussed online financial frauds, ransomware, cyber terrorism, child pornography/sexual abuse, digital arrests and identity theft.
Principal Dr Debjani Singh in her welcome address elaborated the purpose of the event. The Chief Guest Professor Sunil Kumar Rath, former President, Managing Committee of the College emphasized the safe and secure use of mobile phones and internet. Dr Ashok Kumar Hota, Deputy Director General (DDG) and State Informatics Officer, NIC, Odisha emphasized the importance of cyber hygiene and advised the audience to be vigilant while using mobile phones and the internet. The senior scientists from Odisha NIC Sujata Das and Niladri Bihari Mohanty demonstrated various aspects of cyber-crimes and various dos and don’ts.
Another workshop was conducted at BJB Junior College, Bhubaneswar under the guidance of Principal Ranjan Kumar Bal in which about 200 students and faculty members participated enthusiastically. Jayanta Kumar Mishra, Senior Scientist from NIC, Odisha elaborated on the importance of safer internet and secured digital world with many live examples. Gyana Ranjan Misra and Sanjukta Pradhan, Scientists from NIC discussed different types of cyber-crimes and the ways to secure oneself from any such situations. The event was well appreciated and the Principal Bal thanked everyone for making it a success.
