Gamified Cyber Security Training for Telangana Students
Hyderabad: A new wave of digital learning is taking shape in Telangana as the state government collaborates with US-based MASK NextGen to launch a Gamified Cyber Security Training program for school and college students. The initiative combines cyber security education with Artificial Intelligence awareness through an engaging certification course. The program aims to strengthen students’ understanding of digital safety and responsible online behavior.
The training is designed as a 36-hour certification course spread over three months. It blends classroom sessions with interactive learning activities. Through this format, students learn practical cyber security concepts while building awareness about online risks and digital responsibility.
In the first phase, students from several institutions actively participated in the program. More than 100 students each from Little Flower Degree College in Uppal, the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS) girls’ school in Bahadurpura, and the College of Journalism at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) completed the Cyber Security and AI Internship.
Little Flower Degree College and TMREIS Bahadurpura hosted the full three-month certification course. Meanwhile, the College of Journalism at MANUU organized a one-day intensive workshop.
Gamified Learning Simplifies Cyber Security Concepts
The initiative stands out for its gamified learning model, which explains complex cyber security topics through storytelling and interactive activities. Trainers use real-life examples to explain cyber threats, online scams, cyberbullying, and Artificial Intelligence ethics.
The program also introduces creative characters such as Captain Fish Hook and TK Troll King. These characters help younger students understand online privacy, safe gaming habits, and digital hygiene. This approach helps students relate to cyber security lessons in a practical and memorable way.
MASK NextGen Founder and CEO Avni Trivedi interacted with students during the sessions and distributed certificates after the training.
During her visit, she also met Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, Little Flower Degree College Director Rev. Bro. John Kallarackal, and Prof. Ehtesham Ahmed Khan, Dean of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at MANUU. They discussed expanding the initiative so that more students across Telangana can benefit from the program.
Speaking about the initiative, Avni Trivedi said children today grow up in a highly connected digital world where technology shapes learning, communication, and opportunities. She added that the program equips students with cyber security knowledge along with digital responsibility, ethical awareness, and critical thinking skills.
Global partner Joseph Christopher said the initiative aims to build digital resilience among young learners.
In the next phase, MASK NextGen plans to provide computers and laptops free of cost to several institutions. The goal is to enroll more students and expand digital literacy programs across Telangana.
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