In a digital era where likes and shares rule the world, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University proudly hosted Project Shield, a nationwide campaign by the India Today Group to raise awareness about the increasing menace of cyber fraud and misinformation.
Organized by the School of Law, the event brought together students, faculty, and staff for an eye-opening, interactive session on online scams. The campaign was led by experts from India Today Group:
- Mr. Bala Krishna (Editor, Fact Check Department)
- Mr. Arjun Deodia (Fact Check Team)
- Mr. Avinash Singh (Campaign Lead)
The event was further enriched by the presence of actor and social media influencer Drashti Bhanushali, whose message on responsible digital behavior struck a strong chord with the youth.
Honorable Vice Chancellor Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain, Registrar Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, and all Deans and faculty members graced the event. Dr. Sunny Thomas, Dean of the School of Law and School of Liberal Arts, introduced the initiative and emphasized its critical importance in the current digital landscape, where cybercrime is as invisible as it is dangerous.
Disturbing statistics shared during the session revealed that Indians lost over ₹10,000 crore to cyber frauds in 2023 alone. The expert team demystified real threats such as phishing links, URL masking, fake e-commerce sites, deep fake videos, and scam job offers. Attendees were also equipped with practical tips on using password managers, identifying manipulated content, and reporting cyber incidents effectively.
The event concluded with a strong sense of empowerment. Students left the auditorium not only more aware but also inspired to become digital defenders in their own right. ADYPU is honored to have hosted this impactful initiative and remains committed to nurturing informed, responsible, and cyber-resilient citizens.
