The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
USI of India, under its cybersecurity awareness initiative through the Centre for Emerging Technologies for Atma Nirbhar Bharat (CETANB), successfully conducted “Cyber First Responder Program” - a Cybersecurity Awareness Workshop on 15 Sep 2025. The event was held in hybrid mode, at NCC Academy, Malot, Punjab and USI of India, New Delhi, in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 500 Officers, Staff, and Cadets of the 25 Punjab Battalion NCC, Abohar. The session aimed to enhance awareness about emerging cyber threats, promote best practices in online safety, and encourage responsible digital behavior.
Through comprehensive discussions on topics ranging from phishing attacks to digital identity protection, the program empowered the NCC cadets with the foundational knowledge and skills required to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.
Event schedule:
Welcome Remarks: Col Rajeev Sirohi, CO 25 Pb Bn NCC, Abohar
Opening Remarks: Brig (Dr) Vivek Verma (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI of India
Session Conduct: Mr Tushar Sharma, Cyber Expert, Lawyer (Cyber)
Closing Remarks: Col Vivek Nautiyal (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI of India
Vote of Thanks: Col Rajeev Sirohi, CO 25 Pb Bn NCC, Abohar
The event was held under the esteemed leadership of Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General USI of India and under the guidance of Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd), Director CETANB, USI of India. Special thanks are also extended to Maj Vineet Kumar, Founder & Global President, CyberPeace Foundation, and the CyberPeace team comprising Lt Col Arvind Hansraj, Lt Cdr Seema Gupta and Mr Ankan Roy, for their valuable contributions and support.
USI of India extends its sincere gratitude to Col Rajeev Sirohi and the team at 25 Pb Bn NCC, Abohar for their outstanding support in hosting the event. A special commendation is due to the NCC Cadets for their active engagement and enthusiastic participation throughout the session.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Stay Cyber Aware!
1. Welcome Address by Col Rajeev Sirohi, CO 25 Punjab Bn NCC Abohar
2. Opening Address by Brig (Dr) Vivek Verma(Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI
3. Opening address (at NCC Academy Malot)
4. Session conduct by Mr Tushar Sharma, Cyber Expert
5. Workshop in progress
6. Session Conduct (at NCC Academy Malot)
7. Closing Address by Col Vivek Nautiyal (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI
8. Closing Address (at NCC Academy Malot)