Khetabri, Kushalgarh, Rajasthan | June 2025 —In a remote tribal village in southern Rajasthan, where digital access is growing but awareness is not, a 17-year-old student named Vansh Kalal is rewriting the rules of digital safety.
With no formal training in coding or cyber law, and hailing from the village of Khetabri in Kushalgarh, Banswara, Vansh has developed ‘Cyber Mitra’, a free, Hindi-language chatbot that guides rural citizens on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber fraud.
What began as a passion project in his home has now supported over 120 real-life victims of cybercrime in filing complaints, gathering digital evidence, and taking action. Cyber Mitra is not just a chatbot — it is a digital movement that is quietly reshaping rural India’s fight against cybercrime.
The Beginning: A Problem He Couldn’t Ignore
Vansh’s journey didn’t begin in a lab or a corporate office. It began in pain — seeing helpless faces in his village losing their hard-earned money to online fraud.
“I saw people around me — farmers, elders, shopkeepers — lose ₹10,000 or ₹20,000 to fraud calls, links, or fake apps. They were scared and silent. They didn’t even know where or how to report it,” says Vansh.
He realized that people didn’t need complicated technology — they needed a simple friend who could talk in their language, guide them step-by-step, and give them the confidence to act. That’s when Cyber Mitra was born.
Education & Self-Learning: Beyond the Classroom
Vansh recently completed his 12th grade from ABC School in Dungra Chhota, securing 71% marks. Though he describes himself as an “average student” academically, his real education came from curiosity, the internet, and an urge to help others.
Without any formal computer science background, Vansh taught himself how to build a chatbot using open-source tools, online forums, and trial-and-error. He combined this with his growing understanding of cybercrime processes, government portals, and legal protocols.
“I wasn’t a topper in school, but I cared deeply about real-world problems. That made me study harder on my own terms.”
What Is Cyber Mitra?
Cyber Mitra is a Hindi-based chatbot designed specifically for non-technical users, rural citizens, and the digitally unaware. It helps people in:
•Understanding common cyber frauds (like OTP scams, fake links, UPI fraud)
•Immediate steps to take after being scammed
•Gathering digital evidence such as screenshots, phone numbers, UTRs
•Step-by-step guidance on filing complaints on government portals
•Learning their digital rights and online safety tips
Accessible through WhatsApp, Cyber Mitra is free, easy to use, and designed with rural language and examples in mind.
120+ Cases Guided, Real Impact Created
Vansh has personally assisted in more than 120 real cybercrime cases, where victims were able to:
•Recover stolen funds in some instances
•Lodge official complaints through the correct digital channels
•Get help in preparing documents, screenshots, FIRs, and statements
These efforts have often involved coordination with local networks, law enforcement, and digital grievance portals — helping people who otherwise would have stayed silent and helpless.
“I may not be the one solving every case, but I guide people so they can take their first, most important step. That is what Cyber Mitra was created for.”
Offers Rejected — Because Mission Comes First
As Cyber Mitra gained popularity, private companies and platforms approached Vansh with offers to invest or even acquire the chatbot. But he turned them down.
“This isn’t a startup for me. It’s my responsibility to the people I care about. If I sell it, I lose the trust it was built on.”
He adds that many investors saw profit potential — but Vansh sees social potential. And that, he says, is more valuable than money.
Next Steps: Scaling for Every Village
Vansh’s dream is to take Cyber Mitra to every Panchayat, every school, and every community center. He’s preparing awareness material, collaborating with like-minded social workers, and seeking responsible government or NGO partnerships.
His vision is to make basic cybersecurity knowledge as accessible as a local newspaper — and ensure no farmer, student, homemaker, or daily wage worker becomes a victim simply because they didn’t know what to do.
From Struggles to Strength — A Message for India’s Youth
Born in a low-resource, rural setup — with limited digital access, no coding classes, and no mentors — Vansh’s journey proves that you don’t need a fancy degree or a big city to create real change.
“I still have a lot to learn. But I’ve started walking. If I can do this from a small village like Khetabri, anyone can
