From 8 to 10 September 2025, Asia Centre’s representative – Mr. Sanjay Gathia, the programme manager – conducted a series of Digital Security Trainings (DST) in collaboration with partner institutions in Kolkata, India.
In total six DST sessions were conducted over three days. Five were DST End-Beneficiary (DST-EB) engaging 446 participants, where 169 participants expressed interest in becoming master trainers. One was a DST Training of Trainers (DST-TOT) conducted with Digital Empowerment Foundation, where 46 participants were coached as trainers. The expectation is that each Master Trainer will then go one to train 30 end-benificiaries fulfilling their requirement as master trainers.
The objective of the Kolkata series was to strengthen participants’ understanding of digital risks, equip them with practical tools to safeguard personal and institutional data, and promote safer online practices. The participants were primarily high-risk, digitally vulnerable groups, i.e. rural and semi-urban community leaders, youths, educators, and members of the press.
The training sessions commenced on September 8th with a session co-organised with the School of Media, Communication, Fine Arts and Performing Arts, Sister Nivedita University (SNU). This session engaged youths, academics, and journalists, and attracted 230 participants.
On the same day, Asia Centre conducted another DST in collaboration with Brainware University in Kolkata. This session was aimed at young people from semi-urban areas on the outskirts of the city, and it was attended by 105 participants.
On 9 September, Asia Centre conducted an in-person DST-Training of Trainers (DST-ToT) in partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), as part of the Udyamini program. The training was attended by 46 participants, including 35 Soochnapreneurs (Info-prenuers) from rural areas of West Bengal and 11 DEF representatives at district and state levels.
Later the same day, Asia Centre held a DST-End Beneficiary (DST-EB) session in collaboration with Press Club Kolkata (PCK). The session was attended by 20 participants representing print and digital media groups.
On 10 September, Asia Centre partnered with NSHM Knowledge Campus Kolkata to conduct two DST-EB sessions. The sessions, held pre- and post-lunch, engaged 81 participants, comprising both youths and educators.
Across the six DST sessions in Kolkata, participants gained practical insights into core digital security topics, including data privacy, online threat recognition, encryption tools, and responsible digital engagement. Through partnerships with SNU, Brainware University, DEF, Press Club Kolkata, and NSHM Knowledge Campus, Asia Centre continues to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital environment securely.
This initiative supports Asia Centre’s broader mission to protect online freedoms and digital rights, and to advance inclusive digital literacy across the Asia-Pacific region.
For further information on Asia Centre’s Digital Security Training or to explore partnership opportunities, contact: training@asiacentre.org.
Watch TikTok highlights of the event here.
