Three million students commemorate Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam via 'Internet Safety Pledge'

TRIVANDRUM, India - Oct. 26, 2015 - PRLog -- The student community of southern Indian state of Kerala commemorated late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in a unique way. On his birthday (October 15), three million students, from 15,000 schools in the state took 'Cyber Sureksha Pledge' during their morning assembly, where they vowed to be good citizens of the country and only use the Internet to bring glory to themselves, their family, society, state, nation and the world.

“Increasing cybercrime among teenagers pose the biggest threat to 'Digital India'. In July 2015 alone, Kerala witnessed the arrest of seven teenagers and four suicides, due to irresponsible use of social media.  Self-control and responsible use of Internet are the only solutions to curb this national malady. Our education institutes should help mould the mind sets of the students and motivate them to become responsible online citizens. For this purpose, we should provide continuous support and conducting the 'Cyber Sureksha Pledge' in schools was the first step in that direction. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Honorable Chief Minister Mr. Oommen Chandy, who appreciated our efforts and inspired us to go the extra mile," said Sujai G Pillai, Founder of 2tion.com, “One Library Per Village” and also MyGov Ambassador (one among 20 members in Prime Minister Modi’s MyGov Team)

Held in line with a circular issued by Kerala Department of General Education, the participating schools complemented the Pledge by conducting seminars and special classes, that highlighted Dr. Kalam's substantial contribution to the nation and his messages to students.

Caroline Paul K, a freelance journalist based in Cochin, Kerala, who drafted the Internet Safety Pledge, said, "I am honored to be part of Digital Kerala Week, which is a celebration of Kerala becoming the first 'Complete Digital State' in India. With rights come responsibilities, and it is up to every one of us to use the Internet safely and wisely, with awareness and self-restraint. I hope the Pledge, which was a tribute to my personal hero Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, inspired the participants to be responsible netizens."

"There is an increase in the number of youth who are engaged in cyber crimes. Moreover, they are not aware of the gravity of their action, which only highlights their ignorance about cyber laws in the country," added Ajal Babu K ,  the organizer of “Digital Kerala Week” and final year Engineering student of TKM college,  Kollam

'Cyber Sureksha Pledge' was part of 'Digital Kerala Week', jointly organized by IT@School, Kerala IT Mission and NGOs 'One Library Per Village' and Kesari Foundation (KUWJ) The pledge is available at www.digitalkeralaweek.com.

'Digital Kerala Week' is a celebration of the state's achievement in becoming the first digitized state in the country. Aimed at accelerating the transition towards a 'digitally empowered' Kerala, the event seeks to create awareness about the potential of digital technologies and ensure public involvement in building a digitally strong Kerala. The organizers consider this a step towards achieving late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's dream - Vision 2020.