Est. 2010 · Thrissur, Kerala

Making India's Digital Spaces Safer Since 2010

Avanzo Charitable Trust is a non-profit working across four pillars — awareness, legal aid, emotional support, and technical help — to protect individuals and communities from cyber threats.

Our Story

How Avanzo Started

In 2010, Pattathil Dhanya Menon registered Avanzo Charitable Trust in Thrissur, Kerala. The initiative was triggered by a series of young suicides repeated because of cyber incidents. At the time, cyber safety awareness programs for schools barely existed in India — and the few that did rarely reached smaller towns outside metro cities.

The first program was an awareness session in Kerala organized by a media house, attended by 600 children. From that starting point, Avanzo built a curriculum-based Cyber Awareness Programme (CAP) designed for students from Std 1 through 12, and expanded into sessions for teachers, parents, working professionals, and community groups.

Over 15 years, the initiative has grown into a structured operation handling 200+ calls per week through a dedicated helpline, resolving over 3,000 cyber crime cases, and delivering 600+ workshops across Kerala and beyond. Avanzo has also launched its legal aid and cyber rehabilitation services to support victims who needed help beyond awareness.

Late. Manikkath Venugopal Menon

Mr. Manikkath Venugopal Menon was a distinguished banker and community leader from Thrissur. A Zoology graduate, he served in the United Bank of India and retired as Deputy Regional Manager.

He later became Director of Avanzo Cyber Security Solutions and Trustee of Avanzo Charitable Trust. His life of dedication and integrity continues to inspire all who knew him, until his passing in 2018.

What We Do

Four Pillars of Support

Every service Avanzo provides falls under one of four pillars — addressing the awareness, legal, emotional, and technical dimensions of cyber safety.

Awareness Programs

Curriculum-based cyber safety sessions for schools, colleges, corporates, and community groups. Our flagship program since 2010.

Explore Awareness Programs

Legal Aid

Guidance on filing complaints, preserving digital evidence, engaging law enforcement, and understanding your rights as a cyber crime victim.

Get Legal Guidance

Helpline

A dedicated phone and WhatsApp helpline for anyone facing a cyber threat. Confidential, free, and staffed by trained responders. 200+ calls handled every week.

Access Helpline Services

Cyber Rehab

Support for individuals dealing with digital addiction, online misconduct recovery, or the emotional aftermath of cyber crime. Includes counselling and workshops.

Explore Rehab & Support

Awareness Programs Designed For

Each session is tailored — age-appropriate content for children, policy-focused for professionals, and practical guidance for parents and community workers.

Children
Teachers
Parents
Working Professionals
Entrepreneurs
Social Workers

Our Leadership

The People Behind Avanzo

Our team of officials leads the day-to-day operations of the trust.

Pattathil Dhanya Menon
Managing Trustee
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Santhosh K C
Trustee
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Ajith Kumar Parakkad
President, Projects
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Pattathil Pranav Menon
Project Lead
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Vivek M Menon
Technical Head
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Sandra V Menon
Coordinator
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External Authority

Our Advisory Board

Avanzo's advisors bring independent expertise in maritime safety, journalism, academia, and financial literacy.

Capt. Radhika Menon
First Female Captain, Indian Merchant Navy
First woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea (2016). Led the rescue of seven fishermen trapped at sea for a week in 2015.
Dr. C P Unnikrishnan
Educator, Artist & Natyasasthra Authority
Multidisciplinary academic with degrees from University of Bombay and Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University. PhD in Kathakali. Script writer, choreographer, and technical director of SSD.
Ms. Mini Muringatheri
Special Correspondent, The Hindu (Thrissur Bureau)
24 years in journalism across Press Trust of India, The New Indian Express, and The Hindu. Investigative reporter covering women's issues, children's rights, and human rights.
Dr. Asha Achy Joseph
Dean, School of Communication, Sacred Heart College, Kochi
Researcher and filmmaker with 25 years of work in media, translation, and content production. Passionate about working in collectives.
Nisary Mahesh
Founder & CEO, HerMoneyTalks
IIM Bangalore alumnus. Former banker turned entrepreneur focused on women's financial empowerment. Startup mentor at Kerala Startup Mission, Google for Startups, and IIT Mumbai E-Cell.
Dr. C P Abdulla Yasser
Managing Director
Guiding strategic vision and operational excellence at A V Z Cyber Security Solutions L.L.C.
Adv. Preetha R
Legal Head
Legal Head, guiding Avanzo's legal strategies and compliance.