11-09-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the International Conference on Advances in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics “ICACSDF-2026”

Jai Hind!

It gives me immense pleasure to inaugurate this international conference on the highly important and contemporary subject of Advances in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to UPES and all the organisers for bringing a subject to the centre of discussion that has a direct bearing on India’s technological progress, economic security, citizens’ trust and national security.

We have entered an era in which almost every sphere of our lives is connected with digital technology. From banking, education, healthcare, communication and governance to industry, energy, transportation and critical infrastructure, our dependence on digital systems is increasing every day.

Therefore, we must understand one thing with complete clarity: Digital India is our strength, but a Secure Digital India is our necessity.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has transformed digitalisation into a broad-based movement. Digital India has given new momentum to governance, financial inclusion, citizen services and public convenience. Today, India’s digital capabilities have become a new identity and a new source of strength for our nation.

But alongside this rapid digital expansion, an important question confronts us: How secure is our digital ecosystem?

My clear belief is that our capacity for security must grow at the same pace as technology. The faster we innovate, the stronger our cyber security must become. Trust in the digital ecosystem can be sustained only when citizens are confident that their data, their identities, their hard-earned money and the country’s critical systems are secure.

Today, cyber security is no longer merely a subject for technical experts. It is a matter of national security, economic security and the security of citizens’ trust.

During my military career, I have witnessed firsthand the responsibility of securing the physical borders of our nation. A soldier stands at the border to defend the country. In the digital age, we have another frontier—the digital frontier. Protecting this frontier is equally important.

At the first line of defence are cyber security experts, scientists, researchers, law-enforcement agencies, industry and universities. But an equally important component of this security architecture is an aware and responsible citizen.

The nature of cybercrime is changing rapidly. Online financial fraud, identity theft, fake websites and messages, fraud through social media, and the misuse of artificial intelligence are among the emerging challenges before us.

Among these, fraud carried out in the name of “digital arrest” is particularly concerning. Criminals impersonate police officers, investigating officers, courts or government officials, create fear in the minds of citizens, and pressure them into immediately transferring money or sharing personal information.

I want to state this clearly: There is no such thing as a genuine “digital arrest” carried out over a phone or video call. The greatest weapon of cybercriminals is not technology alone. Their greatest weapons are fear, confusion and urgency. That is why awareness is an essential component of cyber security.

The Government of India has established mechanisms such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 helpline for prompt reporting of financial cyber fraud. But the success of any such system ultimately depends upon citizens being alert and responsible.

I appeal to every citizen: Do not click on unknown links. Never share your OTP or password with anyone. Do not provide banking information to strangers. And if you become a victim of cyber fraud, do not panic—contact 1930 without delay.

Friends,

One of the most important pillars of cyber security is digital forensics. As the nature of crime changes, our methods of investigation must evolve as well.

Today, critical evidence can be found in mobile phones, computers, servers, networks and other digital devices. The identification, preservation, analysis and scientific examination of such evidence have become extremely important for the justice system and law-enforcement agencies.

We must develop capabilities where cybercriminals cannot hide behind technology, and where digital evidence becomes a strong instrument for uncovering the truth and delivering justice.

This is where universities and research institutions have a particularly important role to play. Through education, research and innovation, we must develop solutions that remain one step ahead of evolving cyber threats.

“Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani na manorathaih.”

It means that endeavours are accomplished through sustained effort, not merely through wishful thinking.

I am confident that the exchange of knowledge, research and experiences taking place at this conference will make an important contribution towards strengthening India’s capabilities in the field of cyber security.

Friends,

Uttarakhand has its own unique circumstances. It is Devbhoomi, Veerbhoomi, and an important border state of India. Our geographical conditions, border areas, vulnerability to natural disasters, tourism and the protection of critical infrastructure are of particular importance to us.

In such circumstances, modern technology can become a great force multiplier. Drones, sensor-based systems, artificial intelligence and secure digital networks can play an important role in disaster management, surveillance of border areas, healthcare delivery and extending essential services to remote mountainous regions.

But we must always remember that the same technology through which we enhance our strength must never become a source of vulnerability. Therefore, security, reliability and responsibility must be integrated into technology from the very beginning—not added as an afterthought.

My dear young friends,

You are the architects of India’s digital future. Before you lies not merely the opportunity to find employment, but the opportunity to create entirely new possibilities.

India needs young people who can lead the world in cyber security, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Ask yourself one question:

“What can I create for my country?”

Can you develop a technology that can protect a citizen from cybercrime?

Can you create a solution that can identify fraud before it takes place?

Can you build security systems that can protect our hospitals, power networks, transportation systems and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks?

That is the true power of your knowledge. That is the true meaning of using your talent in the service of the nation.

Today, India is moving rapidly towards self-reliance. In cyber security, Aatmanirbharta means developing our own technologies, our own experts, our own solutions and our own security capabilities.

For this, the government, universities, industry, security agencies and society must work together.

Universities must become centres of research and innovation. Industry must develop secure and trustworthy technologies. Law-enforcement agencies must be equipped with modern skills. And every citizen must adopt responsible digital practices.

Cyber security is not the sole responsibility of the government. It is a shared national commitment.

Dear students,

Learn new technologies, but also understand the risks that accompany them. Make your families and friends aware of cyber fraud. Make safe digital behaviour a part of your everyday life.

In the digital world, one moment of carelessness can cause enormous loss, but one moment of awareness can save someone’s lifetime of savings.

My young friends,

Your talent is India’s strength.

Your knowledge is India’s wealth.

Your character is India’s trust.

And your resolve will shape the direction of India’s future.

I am confident that ICACSDF-2026 will not remain merely a conference. It will become a platform for new ideas, research, collaboration and innovation that will provide a new direction to India’s digital security.

Our goal must be clear:

A Secure Digital India.
A Trusted Digital India.
A Self-Reliant Digital India.

Let us resolve to make technology a source of national power; to transform knowledge into innovation; to connect innovation with national service; and to make Digital India a Secure India.

Let us work together to build an India that is technologically capable, economically strong, socially aware and a global leader in the field of cyber security.

Vande Mataram!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Jai Hind!