Suraksha Kavach Initiative Launched to Strengthen Women's Safety in Hyderabad Colleges

Hyderabad's Society for Cyberabad Security Council has unveiled Suraksha Kavach, a comprehensive handbook and awareness programme designed to enhance safety and wellness for women students across college campuses.

The initiative, titled "Suraksha Kavach – College Women Safety & Well-being Handbook," addresses critical concerns including youth safety, mental health, substance abuse prevention and fostering responsible campus environments through student-led safety clubs.

The programme brought together senior law enforcement officials, academic leaders, mental wellness professionals, community representatives and students for a comprehensive discussion on campus safety.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Dr M. Ramesh emphasised the vital role of emotional well-being, transparent dialogue and disciplined living in tackling stress, loneliness and drug-related issues affecting young people. He reaffirmed the police force's dedication to dismantling drug trafficking operations and encouraged students to reach out to teachers, parents, peers and institutional authorities for assistance.

During the session, a Biochemistry faculty member named Varalaxmi raised concerns that awareness campaigns alone prove inadequate, advocating for expanded dialogue spaces. The Commissioner responded by urging students to communicate openly with educators, guardians, classmates and mentors about their challenges.

When a NALSAR University student, Srivar, questioned the police response to narcotics abuse, Dr M. Ramesh underscored how drug addiction devastates individuals, households and communities. He noted that while law enforcement actively pursues drug distributors, public cooperation and intelligence from students remain indispensable for effective crime prevention.

Actor and filmmaker Rahul Ravindran addressed the mechanisms of addiction, social pressure and negative coping strategies. He motivated students to pursue constructive objectives and maintain positive aspirations while endorsing youth participation in programmes like Suraksha Kavach to establish secure educational environments.

Prof Balakrista Reddy, heading the Telangana Higher Education Council, underscored educational institutions' responsibility in student protection. He called for robust mental health infrastructure, anti-ragging protocols and reinforced campus security frameworks.

Representatives Vanita Datla, Chetana Kaasam and Srividya Reddy outlined the SCSC's community-police partnership model for safeguarding youth. Vyshali Sagar facilitated a collective pledge urging participants to "Show up, Stand up, and Never remain silent."

K. Srujana, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Women and Child Safety, highlighted the necessity of enforcing Anti-Drug Committee protocols, developing student safety networks and adhering to POSH and POCSO regulations across educational institutions.

Rashmi Srivastava subsequently engaged with college staff and pupils to collect input on establishing comprehensive safety and wellness frameworks in institutions.

The gathering concluded with a musical performance by youth ensemble "Paatshaala," followed by renditions of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.