Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 14: An awareness program on Personal Safety and Digital Awareness was conducted at RGT Public School as a joint initiative of Pankh NGO, the Andaman & Nicobar Police Department, and RGT Public School. The session, aimed at students of Grades 8 to 10, was graced by Mr. Manoj Kumar Meena, Senior Superintendent of Police, and Mr. Shuddhanand Swami of Chinmaya Mission as Guests of Honor. They were welcomed by the school’s Principal and Pankh NGO’s Founder President, Komal Anand.
In her address, Mrs. Anand stressed the importance of open communication between students and parents on personal safety issues, urging students not to hide their problems and to seek guidance from trusted individuals. “To be safe is not to fear; it is to be always alert,” she remarked. The Principal Mrs. Rita Banerjee highlighted the school’s newly formed club that meets monthly to discuss and address social issues.
Addressing the students, Mr. Manoj Kumar Meena urged them to use social media responsibly, refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons, and approach the Police without hesitation in case of any threat or trouble, assuring that their identities would remain protected. He further invited students to visit the Police Station to gain first-hand knowledge of police work, emphasizing that the Police Department would take all necessary steps to resolve their concerns.
Psychologist Ms. Nidhi Prakash delivered an engaging talk on the influence of social media on mental health, covering topics like cyberbullying, digital footprints, and the long-term effects of online engagement. She also shared practical tips for navigating the digital world safely.
Swami Shuddhanand Saraswati, Resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission, encouraged students to cultivate good habits, strengthen their minds through reading inspirational biographies, and engage in sports and value-based activities.
The program concluded with an interactive session, leaving students better informed and equipped to safeguard themselves in both the physical and digital worlds.