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, through the Centre for Emerging Technologies for Atma Nirbhar Bharat (CETANB), on 29 Oct 2025, conducted “Cyber First Responder Program” - a Cybersecurity Awareness Workshop, in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation with support from Google.org.
The workshop (virtual) was attended by 509 NCC cadets and staff members of 25 Punjab Bn NCC Abohar at NCC Academy Malout, and was part of their Annual Training Camp (ATC-66). The NCC cadets who participated in the workshop were from schools & colleges of Abohar, Haripura, Sappanwali, Deewankhera, Nihal Khera, Karni Khera, Fazilka, Khuian Sarwar, Gumjal, Dutaranwali and Haripura of the state of Punjab.
The workshop explored real-world cyber threats, safe online practices, and the importance of digital hygiene, thereby spreading awareness about them.
Event schedule:
Welcome Remarks: Col Gaurav Nyol, Adm Officer 25 Pb Bn NCC Abohar
Opening Remarks: Brig (Dr) Vivek Verma (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI of India
Session Conduct: Ms. Shubhangi Shifa, Trainer CyberPeace
Closing Remarks: Col Vivek Nautiyal (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI of India
Vote of Thanks: Col Gaurav Nyol, AO 25 Pb Bn NCC Abohar
The event was held under the visionary 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 Rajhans (Retd), Lt Cdr Seema Gupta (Retd) and Mr Ankan Roy, for their valuable contributions and support.
USI of India extends its sincere gratitude to Col Rajeev Sirohi, Commanding Officer, 25 Pb Bn NCC Abohar and his team for their outstanding support in hosting the event. A special commendation is due to all NCC cadets for their active engagement and enthusiastic participation throughout the session.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Stay Cyber Aware!
1. Opening Address 29 Oct 2025 Cyber First Responder Program by Brig (Dr) Vivek Verma (Retd), Senior Research Fellow, USI
2. Session in progress Ms Shubhangi, Trainer, CyberPeace
3. Closing Address 29 Oct 2025 Cyber First Responder Program by Col Vivek Nautiyal (Retd) Senior Research Fellow, USI
4. Vote of Thanks Col Gaurav AO 25 Punjab Bn NCC Abohar
5. NCC Cadets of 25 Pb Bn NCC Abohar at NCC Academy Malout attending Cyber First Responder Program on 29 Oct 2025