Pune – In its endeavor to create awareness on Cybersecurity, Quick Heal Foundation, the CSR arm of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, the leading provider of IT Security Solutions in association with Pune City Police today announced the launch of Cy-Fi Karandak 2017, a first-of-its-kind competitive festival of offline and online one-act-plays aimed at creating a vibrant platform that portrays the impact of digital revolution on human life. The logo of Cy-Fi Karandak 2017 was unveiled today at the hands of Kailash Katkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Quick Heal Technologies Limited, Milind Patil, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing (EoW) & Cybercrime, Pune Police and Pradeep Vaidya, Director, Expression Lab.
Cy-Fi Karandak 2017 is an initiative of Quick Heal Foundation in association with Pune City Police and supported by Expression Lab. The Cyber Cell of Pune City Police will play a major role in helping participants by providing real life cases pertaining to cyber-crime through constant interaction and guidance to design quality content. Cy-Fi Karandak displays the commitment of Quick Heal and Pune City Police in making the virtual world a safe place for netizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Kailash Katkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Quick Heal Technologies Limited said, “At Quick Heal Foundation, we are deeply committed to create a better world by crafting sustainable initiatives in the areas of Community Welfare, Education and Cybersecurity awareness. Since its launch in 2014, Quick Heal Foundation has provided training and guidance to over 8 lakh students across the country on cybersecurity. As a leader in cyber security solutions, we are always on the lookout of various avenues to educate netizens on the dark side of Digital World which led to the formation of Cy-Fi Karandak. This unique one-act-play competition will not only help in educating people on the risks and threats associated with Digital World through contemporary art but also provide a platform for theatre enthusiasts to showcase their talent. I would like to thank Pune City Police and our partner, Expression Lab, in making this initiative a grand success.”
Milind Patil, Assistant Commissioner of Police, EOW & Cybercrime, Pune City Police said, “The rise of digitization has escalated risks relating to cyber-crime. Over 4000 cybercrimes were reported in Pune in 2017, as compared to 2079 cases in 2016. This proves that the threat landscape is continuously evolving and hence it is crucial to conduct regular awareness programs which will help in educating netizens so that they stay a step ahead of cybercriminals. Keeping this in mind, we are pleased to partner Quick Heal Foundation in its initiative to create cybersecurity awareness through contemporary art in the form of Cy-Fi Karandak.”
Pradeep Vaidya, Director, Expression Lab said, “Theatre is the reflection of the time we live in. In this era where we all are connected to the internet at various levels, being aware and ensuring security at all times has become a critical aspect of our lives. Cy-Fi Karandak 2017 will be the reflection of our life in Digital world. Our association with Quick Heal Foundation along with Pune Police to educate people through Contemporary Theatre Art is very encouraging, fortunate and important.”
The call for entries for Cy-Fi Karandak began in September 2017 featuring teams from 6 centres viz. Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Goa and Nagpur. Over 100 teams registered in this mega event and after two months of rigorous selection process, 28 teams have qualified for the Grand Finale scheduled to be held in Pune on 21st to 25th December at Bharat Natya Mandir. Shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to perform under the theme “Human Life in Cyberworld – How Convenient, How Vulnerable?” in midst of eminent film and theatre personalities.
In addition to the offline festival, Cy-Fi Online Karandak was launched to encourage participation from theatre enthusiasts residing outside Maharashtra. Interested participants can upload their plays on Social Media and send the link to info@cyfiarts.com. The winner by popular choice will be based on the maximum number of likes a video receives. The runner-up will be selected by an esteemed panel of jury members. For more information, please log onto: www.cyfiarts.com
