SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Aug 12: The Ranchi University in collaboration with Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) and Cyber Peace Center of Excellence Cyber Security organised an inauguration ceremony commemorating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Cyber Peace Center of Excellence Cyber Security and an interdisciplinary PG Diploma course in Cyber Security was also inaugurated by Governor Ramesh Bais, who was present as chief guest on the occasion. RU VC Prof Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, Mayor Asha Lakra, Major Vineet Kumar, Global President, Cyber Peace, Dr Niranjan Prashad, chairman, ITE, New Delhi, HoDs of all departments, Deans of programmes, professors and students were present on the occasion.
While addressing the audience, the Governor Bais appreciated the inauguration of the course. He said that the technological advancements in present days make cyber security an important line of thought for the internet users. With the large-scale frauds done online, through phone calls, messages and even emails, it is of utmost importance that work be done to make usage of the internet secure.”
“Educating students in this regard is also a necessary step as on one hand it will provide better job opportunities to students, along with creating awareness regarding the same. The first aim of cyber security is to make usage of the internet safer for humankind. It is as useful as it is dangerous,” added the Governor.
He further discussed various scenarios when people are threatened through the internet. He said that the course on cyber security should have research done on the different scenarios through which people face cyber fraud. He added, “High level scientific thinking can help face challenges such as Cyber Crime. Under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative should be taken to understand the thought process of cyber criminals.”
Further appreciating the university’s efforts, the Governor said, “If Jamtara can be famous for hacking, why can’t efforts be made to stop it in Ranchi University. Students of RU have been making a name for the university through their work, not only in the nation but even abroad.”
VC Ajit Kumar on the occasion talked of the growth of the university and said that the university had begun with just 10 departments, 20 affiliated colleges, 1 constituent college, now has 30 PG departments, 19 constituent colleges, 26 self financed vocational courses, and around 1,65,000 students at present.
He further talked of the several skill based courses like yoga, medicine, psychiatry, law, MCA and Journalism and Mass communication and 30 regular courses run by the university. He further talked of the researchers, students that register in PhD, and the 150 students every year given PhD degrees. He explained the importance of the TRL department, and named the famous alumni including Padmashree Ram Dayal Munda, Padmashree Mukund Nayak, Padma Bushan Father Kamil Bulke and Dr Inayat Ahmed, among others.
He also talked of the examination department and the work done by it on a yearly basis. He discussed the facilities including the libraries provided to students along with the skill and language labs set up in the university among others.
Major Vineet said that the course was a dream that he had seen long back, when he started his career to educate people regarding cyber security. He said that Jamtara is known world-wide as the cyber crime capital. In such a situation the beginning of the centre of excellence may help to improve the conditions and work against the cyber threats faced by people at present. He added, “Instead of being known as the centre of cyber crime, let’s be known as the hub of cyber security.”
He talked of his journey and how he began the work for cyber security. He explained the misconception that people have about hackers and his work with NSA and IB Chief and said that hackers may even be helpful. He further talked of his organisation working all over the world to spread awareness regarding responsible online behaviour.
Giving information on behalf of IETE, Niranjan Prasad said that the institute is currently working in about 114 countries and has tried to take an initiative regarding cyber security in Jharkhand as well. He further talked of the MoU signed with RU and explained the goal of the diploma course.
Dr Prashad, who was involved in the programme on behalf of Skill India, while addressing the audience said that he and his team are constantly working in fiber technology and celebrating skills in this field, which will also increase employment opportunities among the people.
The programme culminated with several cultural performances and a vote of thanks by registrar Dr Mukund Chandra Mehta.