As an Adjunct Professor at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, and Chairperson of the Divey Foundation, she has transformed lives through digital literacy, vocational training, and compassionate leadership.
Prof. Divya Tanwar
(Author is Professor of Cyber Security & Professor (Adjunct) of Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai )
Prof. (Dr.) Divya Tanwar is a beacon of hope in the realms of cybersecurity, education, and social empowerment, dedicating over 12 years to uplifting underprivileged communities with minimal external support. As an Adjunct Professor at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, and Chairperson of the Divey Foundation, she has transformed lives through digital literacy, vocational training, and compassionate leadership. Her work, showcased on [www.divyatanwar.com](http://www.divyatanwar.com) and [diveyfoundation.com](http://diveyfoundation.com), reflects a mission to make digital knowledge accessible to all, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Despite her remarkable impact, Dr. Tanwar emphasizes the need for “hand-holding” from organizations, industries, schools, and universities to scale her efforts and address the rising tide of cyber threats through synchronized action.
Cyber Shield: Social Media and Mental Health and Other Literary Contributions
Dr. Tanwar’s book, Cyber Shield: Social Media and Mental Health, is a seminal work that explores the nexus of social media, cybersecurity, and psychological well-being. It addresses the dual-edged nature of social media, which fosters connectivity but exposes users to risks like cyberbullying, phishing, and data breaches, all of which can erode mental health. The book highlights:
Cyber Threats: Techniques like social engineering and misinformation that exploit users, with practical advice on countermeasures such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Mental Health Impacts: The correlation between excessive social media use and issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among youth, with 70% reporting cyberbullying experiences.
Solutions: Strategies for building digital resilience, encouraging responsible online behavior, and fostering mental well-being through awareness and education.
Cyber Shield is a call to action for individuals, platforms, and policymakers to create safer digital spaces, grounded in Dr. Tanwar’s extensive work with vulnerable communities. Beyond this, her other books—Introduction to DBMS, Management Information Systems, NEP 2020 Concept of Web Security, Workplace Harassment, and Breaking Barriers (The RISE of Women)—blend technical expertise with themes of empowerment and social justice. These works, widely used in academic and professional settings, reflect her commitment to equipping diverse audiences with knowledge to navigate the digital and social landscape. Her weekly articles in national newspapers like The News Nation, Rashtriya Sahara, and HariBhoomi further amplify her insights, making complex cybersecurity concepts accessible to the public.
Transformative Work Through
Education and Empowerment
Dr. Tanwar’s contributions span academia, social work, and public service, driven by her belief that education is the only tool to dismantle inequities and foster digital safety. Her key initiatives include:
Academic Innovation at Somaiya Vidyavihar University : As an Adjunct Professor, Dr. Tanwar has revolutionized cybersecurity education by designing inclusive curricula for students without technical backgrounds. Her 6-month “Introduction to Cybersecurity” course, open to 12th-pass students, combines hands-on learning with practical applications like identifying phishing emails and securing digital accounts. In 2024, this innovative approach earned her the “Top Academic Leaders of the Year” award, recognizing her role in preparing diverse students for tech-driven careers. By integrating emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity into the curriculum, she ensures graduates are job-ready, addressing the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
Empowering Communities Through Divey Foundation : Since founding the Divey Foundation in 2013, Dr. Tanwar has impacted over 50,000 underprivileged women and children across India. The foundation’s programs, detailed at [diveyfoundation.com](http://diveyfoundation.com), focus on digital literacy, basic computer skills, and vocational training like handicraft production to foster economic independence. Initiatives like the Divey Diksha Academy of Learning offer courses in cybersecurity and data analytics, creating pathways to employment for marginalized youth. In 2024, the foundation received the “Best NGO Award” for its transformative impact, a testament to Dr. Tanwar’s vision of sustainable empowerment through education and industry partnerships.
Training CRPF Officials : Dr. Tanwar’s expertise extends to law enforcement, where she conducts regular training for Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials on emerging cybercrimes such as ransomware, phishing, and digital fraud. By simplifying complex concepts for non-technical audiences, she equips officers to combat modern threats, enhancing public safety. Her sessions, lauded for their clarity and relevance, underscore her ability to bridge technical and practical domains.
Public Awareness Through Media : As a regular host on DD National’s cybersecurity program, Dr. Tanwar educates millions on digital safety practices, from secure browsing to recognizing scams. Her motivational talks, named “Best of the Year” in 2024, inspire diverse audiences, while her media presence amplifies her mission to foster a culture of cyber peace.
Leadership and Advocacy : Dr. Tanwar’s leadership roles—as a Board Member at the Centre for NAMO Studies (CNMS), SLICC member in RAF (CRPF), Vice President of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce, and trustee at Vision Special School for Children with Special Needs—reflect her commitment to women’s welfare, safety, and inclusive education. Her advisory role with the Ambedkar Awards Committee in 2024 further highlights her dedication to social equity, ensuring recognition for efforts toward inclusion.
The Need for Hand-Holding and Synchronized Efforts : Despite her monumental achievements, Dr. Tanwar has worked largely without institutional support for over a decade, limiting the scale of her impact. The rising prevalence of cybercrimes—projected to cost $10.5 trillion globally by 2025—underscores the urgency of her mission, particularly in lower socio-economic communities where digital literacy is scarce. She emphasizes that organizations like the Divey Foundation need “hand-holding” to amplify their efforts. Synchronized collaboration among NGOs, industries, schools, and universities is essential to:
Scale Awareness Campaigns: Fund and organize cyber awareness camps to teach communities about phishing, secure social media use, and mental health resilience.
Enhance Education: Integrate cybersecurity into school and university curricula, leveraging Dr. Tanwar’s courses and books.
Provide Resources: Donate devices, software, and internet access to underserved students, enabling broader participation in digital literacy programs.
Create Opportunities: Offer internships and scholarships through industry partnerships, ensuring marginalized youth access cybersecurity careers.
Dr. Tanwar’s university-industry collaborations at Somaiya Vidyavihar serve as a model, demonstrating how partnerships can enhance employability and awareness. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes digital literacy, provides a framework for such efforts, making now a critical time for stakeholders to unite.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Tanwar envisions a world where digital knowledge is universal, empowering everyone to navigate the digital landscape confidently. In 2024, she announced plans to expand the Divey Foundation’s digital literacy programs and enhance university curricula, aiming to reach more underserved communities. Her work, honored with awards like the Ambedkar Award, Mahatma Gandhi Award, Surya Dutta Award, and Rajdhani Ratan Award in 2024, reflects a legacy of compassion and impact.
Prof. (Dr.) Divya Tanwar’s journey is a testament to the power of education to transform lives. Through her books like Cyber Shield: Social Media and Mental Health, her academic innovations, and the Divey Foundation’s outreach, she has empowered thousands to embrace digital safety and economic independence. Yet, her lone struggle highlights a critical need for support. By joining hands with organizations, industries, and educational institutions, we can amplify her mission, creating a cyber-secure, inclusive society where no one is left behind.
