Mumbai, Apr 19 (Reporter) In a bold step towards tackling alarming rise in cyber crimes across India, WHT NOW, a digital safety movement, announced on Saturday the launch of its National Youth Ambassador Programme in collaboration with universities and colleges across the country. The initiative aims to train over 5,000 students by the end of 2025 to serve as digital first responders on campus, a much-needed effort amid growing cases of sextortion, cyberbullying, identity theft and online harassment. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a 24.4 percent surge in cyber crimes in 2025, with over 65,000 FIRs (first information reports) registered. “This effort is not just an initiative; it’s a national movement,” said Neeti Goel, founder of WHT NOW. “We are witnessing an epidemic of silence around online abuse. Our aim is to equip the youth with knowledge, courage and community because only they can change the digital narrative from fear to empowerment.” Each Youth Ambassador will undergo training in cyber law, reporting mechanisms, psychological first-aid and digital ethics. The programme includes hands-on workshops, mentorship from cybersecurity experts and legal professionals and the creation of on-campus Digital Safety Cells to support peers and drive awareness campaigns. Akshat Khetan, co-founder and legal strategist, added, “Over 40 academic institutions have already expressed interest in partnering with WHT NOW and pilot chapters have been initiated. The programme will officially roll out in phases starting May 2025, with a pan-India tour of awareness sessions, university MoUs and the release of a digital toolkit.” To support victims and concerned individuals, WHT NOW recently also launched a dedicated national helpline, providing immediate assistance, guidance and referral support for cases related to cyber abuse, harassment and online threats...////...