In a world where technology often fuels online hate, a 17-year-old Mumbai student is using Artificial Intelligence to fight back — with compassion.
Meet Fia Inamdar, the young innovator behind CyBud, an AI-powered chatbot designed to help teens and adults cope with cyberbullying, online harassment, and emotional distress.
The Birth of CyBud: A Digital Friend, Not Just a Bot
For Fia, the idea came from a simple but powerful question — what if technology could listen, not just reply?
“Many students fear visiting counsellors because of social stigma. CyBud is a friend who listens, understands, and never judges,” says the teen, fluent in C++ and Python.
The chatbot offers empathetic, human-like conversations, guiding users on how to document incidents, seek help, and even connects them to national mental health helplines. It’s not just about information — it’s about emotional support.
Beyond Teen Problems — A Lifeline for the Elderly Too
Interestingly, Fia discovered during her research that senior citizens also face digital anxiety — from scams and fake calls to online frauds.
“When tested on digital arrest scam prompts, CyBud immediately detected the red flags and advised users to disengage,” she explains.
The bot also provides instant access to verified helplines — a feature that could potentially save lives.
Empathy in an AI Age
Fia, who co-founded a mental health group called Mind Over Matter in 2022, believes empathy must evolve alongside technology.
“We are forced to outsource empathy to artificial intelligence,” she says. “So I wanted AI to learn kindness.”
Her chatbot stands apart from tools like ChatGPT or Gemini by focusing on empathy-first design, ensuring users feel heard, safe, and respected.
A Glimpse into India’s Next-Gen Innovators
At just 17, Fia represents a growing wave of young Indian innovators who are merging technology with human values. Her initiative, CyBud, not only addresses a pressing digital-age problem but also redefines what responsible AI can look like — emotional, secure, and humane.
