Mangaluru: Konark Rai, founder of Rudram Dynamics Foundation (RDF), a not-for-profit organisation, launched an initiative that provides an integrated platform for policy research, training, and innovation to address emerging threats to India's internal security.
Hailing from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, Rai established RDF's Military-Industry-Academia Sandbox, a platform uniting key stakeholders to develop solutions for modern national security challenges.
Rai told TOI: "Our mission is to empower Indian startups and entrepreneurs to lead in tech-driven security, aiming for an ‘Aatma Rakshit Bharat' (Self-Reliant Secure India)." RDF is also actively involved in training security personnel and their families, equipping them to deal with evolving security challenges. Through a strategic partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), India's first Centre of Excellence for National Security is also established to integrate security, law, and technology to develop indigenous capabilities.
Acknowledging Oct as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), RDF, in partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak, launched the ‘Cybersecurity Workshop for Surakshit Bharat' aimed at enhancing awareness among the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.
The inaugural workshop, organised for 351 CISF personnel at Mangaluru International Airport on Oct 23, provided a combination of hands-on activities, real-world case studies, and interactive sessions along with basics on safeguarding personal data, privacy and finances to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
"Defence personnel often face cyber threats impacting their families. Our next session will be held at Tirupati airport, with plans to expand nationwide over the next three years," Rai noted.
RDF, in the past, also organised other strategic courses including ‘Understanding North East India: An Exposition' and its ongoing course on ‘Emerging Technology and Security,' curated to up-skill law enforcement agencies and researchers on emerging technologies and their transformative impact on national security. Plans are also in the pipeline to soon launch a one-of-a-kind programme on security, law and technology, he said.
Catering to the Military-Industry-Academia complex, RDF's advisory board comprises prominent practitioners and academicians, including Prof Dr S Shanthakumar, director of GNLU, Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair, former DG Assam Rifles, Dr Tara Kartha, director of CLAWS and dormer director, National Security Council Secretariat, Rtd Cmde Dr Aun P Golaya, Dr MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IITM PTF.
Rai further termed the upcoming Border Village Development Programme as a significant project aimed at holistic national security and community resilience. RDF also supports Army Goodwill Schools in Jammu and Kashmir through IITM Pravartak, enhancing education with interactive and engaging learning approaches.