The Social Service Committee of Pillai University, School of Business (PG), organised an orientation programme on “Cyber Smart Heroes” in collaboration with CRY on 14th October 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University Auditorium. The programme followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pillai University, School of Business (PG), and CRY on 24 September 2026, reaffirming their continued commitment to promoting cyber safety awareness among school children. This collaboration marks the third year of the Cyber Smart Heroes initiative, reflecting the sustained partnership between Pillai University and CRY and their shared commitment to creating a safer digital environment for children and the wider community.
The primary objective of the initiative is to equip second-year MBA students with the knowledge and skills required to serve as cyber safety volunteers and create awareness among children studying in Zilla Parishad, municipal, private and other schools associated with CRY and Mahatma Education Society. The initiative also provides students with an opportunity to undertake their Social Relevance Project, carrying 100 marks, through a structured social internship with CRY, enabling them to apply their learning to a meaningful community engagement initiative.
The orientation programme adopted an interactive and activity-based approach, incorporating educational quiz, discussions and awareness-building activities to make the learning experience engaging and effective. The training familiarised students with various forms of cybercrime and online threats, including phishing, online scams, identity theft, ransomware attacks, hacking, misuse of computer networks, internet fraud, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, social media fraud, software piracy, online drug trafficking, electronic money laundering, cyber extortion, intellectual property infringement and online recruitment fraud. Emphasis was placed on recognising potential cyber threats, understanding preventive measures and promoting the safe, responsible and ethical use of digital platforms.
Following the orientation, students were provided with the link to join the CRY–Pillai University Volunteers WhatsApp group to facilitate communication, coordination and the implementation of subsequent activities. As part of the initiative, trained MBA students will conduct cyber safety awareness sessions in schools associated with CRY and Mahatma Education Society. These sessions will focus on sensitising school children to online risks, encouraging responsible digital behaviour and equipping them with practical knowledge to identify and respond appropriately to cyber threats. Upon successful completion of their internship, participating students will receive certificates from CRY.
The MoU signing and orientation programme mark an important step towards strengthening the collaboration between Pillai University, School of Business (PG), and CRY in advancing digital awareness and child safety. The initiative provides MBA students with an opportunity to develop social responsibility, communication, leadership and community engagement skills while contributing to a socially relevant cause. By extending cyber safety education to school communities, the programme seeks to empower children to navigate the digital world with greater awareness, confidence and responsibility.
The Social Service Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Chandran, Director; Dr. Betty Sybil; and Dr. Celina Joy for their continued support, guidance and encouragement. Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Krushna R Sawant for initiating, coordinating and driving the implementation of this initiative. Their collective efforts have helped translate the university’s commitment to social responsibility into a meaningful programme that connects management education with community welfare.
