Anupama Katkar discusses her journey, initiatives, and impact at Quick Heal, emphasizing youth empowerment and cybersecurity awareness through Quick Heal Foundation.
1. Share your journey at Quick Heal
My journey with Quick Heal has been an incredible, transformative experience. When my husband founded the company nearly 30 years ago, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on my life and career. From those early days to our current position as a leader in cybersecurity, every step has been a learning opportunity. Despite my current role in leading business operations, heading the Quick Heal Foundation is profoundly fulfilling for me, allowing meaningful contributions to society. This work has greatly enriched my professional & personal life, constantly reminding me of the significant positive impact we can make when we look beyond immediate business goals.
2. Please share the details of initiatives driven by the Quick Heal Foundation
At the Quick Heal Foundation, we’re driven by a goal to secure futures through education, cyber safety awareness, and healthcare. Our flagship initiatives, ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ and its ‘Earn and Learn’ program have expanded into underserved areas of the country. These initiatives focus on youth development and spreading cyber safety awareness through a multitude of activities. Our efforts align with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to quality education, gender equality, decent work, and economic growth. Recently, we launched the Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha Awards to recognize the efforts of all those who’ve joined us in this mission. Through these initiatives, we are making a real difference in people’s lives, equipping them with skills crucial for the digital age.
3. How many lives have the initiative impacted so far?
When we started this journey, I could only dream of the impact we might have. Today, I’m humbled and overjoyed to say that our programs have positively touched 52.25 lakh lives across more than 19 states pan India. Reaching this milestone brings me immense personal satisfaction. It is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support of our partners, and the enthusiasm of the communities we serve.
4. What is the idea behind Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha, and what are its broader objectives?
‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ embodies our commitment to two pivotal objectives: youth empowerment and widespread digital safety awareness. Our initiative focuses on equipping young students with essential cybersecurity skills and knowledge, preparing them for promising careers in this rapidly expanding field and fostering a generation of responsible digital citizens. Our approach is comprehensive, encompassing youth training, partnerships with educational institutions, and outreach through diverse activities such as rallies, street plays, and local events to maximize community engagement.
An integral part of our initiative is the ‘Earn and Learn’ model, which enables volunteers to earn a stipend while gaining valuable cybersecurity expertise. This not only promotes financial independence but also nurtures personal growth and leadership qualities, aligning with the experiential learning principles outlined in the government’s new education policy (NEP).
Furthermore, we recognize that effective cybersecurity awareness requires collaboration across various stakeholders. Therefore, we work closely with state administrations, government bodies, organizations like Maharashtra Cyber and NASSCOM, educational institutions, corporate entities, and local communities. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to develop comprehensive and impactful cybersecurity awareness programs.
5. How are women doing in the cybersecurity industry?
Women are making remarkable strides in the cybersecurity industry, thanks in part to targeted initiatives like our ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’. This program actively engages educational institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, providing a crucial platform for students, especially women, to cultivate their cybersecurity skills and prepare for corporate careers. Last year, our program achieved a significant milestone with 62% female participation as our cyber warriors. Beyond acquiring valuable skills, female participants in our program emerge as cybersecurity ambassadors within their communities, inspiring the next generation of female professionals in this field. This ripple effect plays a pivotal role in closing the industry’s gender gap and meeting the escalating demand for cybersecurity expertise.
