In a symbolic stride toward safer cyberspace, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav flagged off the ‘Run for Cyber Awareness’ at Atal Path in Bhopal on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Police, sought to mobilize citizens, students, and officials against the rising tide of cybercrime through public participation and education.
“The fight against cybercrime is not just the police’s responsibility — it’s a collective duty,” Yadav said, addressing hundreds of participants gathered for the run. “When citizens are aware, the nation becomes safer.”
Yadav underscored the dual nature of India’s digital transformation — a revolution bringing convenience but also exposing society to new forms of risk, from phishing attacks to online identity theft.
The Digital Age’s Double-Edged Sword
The Chief Minister highlighted that while India’s rapid digitalization under initiatives like Digital India has empowered millions, it has also given rise to complex forms of cyber fraud. From fake investment portals and shopping scams to “digital arrest” calls, cybercriminals are innovating faster than many users can adapt.
“Technology connects us — but it also empowers those who seek to deceive,” Yadav warned. “We must not only strengthen our laws and systems but also our personal vigilance.”
He urged citizens to adopt Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s digital safety mantra — “Stop, Think, and Then Act.” This, Yadav said, should serve as the constitution of the digital age, guiding users to pause before sharing personal data, think critically about online requests, and verify before acting.
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A National Crisis Demanding Local Action
The event also featured Madhya Pradesh Police Chief Kailash Makwana, who presented alarming statistics about the global rise in cybercrime. “Cybercrime is now the fastest-growing form of criminal activity,” Makwana said. “It’s not just about stolen money — it’s about stolen identity, stolen ideas, and stolen trust.”
He highlighted emerging threats such as intellectual property theft, data breaches, and research piracy, noting that the digital age has blurred the boundaries between financial crime and creative exploitation.
“Protecting money is important,” Makwana said, “but so is protecting your reputation and intellectual capital. In this age, information itself is wealth.”
From Awareness to Action
The Run for Cyber Awareness was more than a symbolic march — it was the public face of a broader, statewide campaign. The Madhya Pradesh Police has been conducting cyber awareness programs in schools, colleges, and local communities, teaching people how to identify scams, secure personal data, and report suspicious activity.
Police booths along the route displayed infographics on password hygiene, OTP safety, and the national cyber helpline number 1930.
The run began at Platinum Plaza near Atal Path, passed through Apex Bank Tiraha, and culminated at T.T. Nagar Stadium, with participants from across Bhopal — including police officers, cybersecurity experts, and local residents.
Yadav concluded his address with a call for civic vigilance: “Digital progress must go hand in hand with digital prudence. Every click, every password, every phone call — think before you trust.”
