eRevolution in September at Chandigarh

‘Future Ready?’ is the theme that some of the leading IT experts would be discussing at the sixth edition of the popular IT event, eRevolution 2010.
The Union Territory of Chandigarh and Punjab have been spearheading the IT revolution in the region in the past five years with eRevolution setting the agenda for the growth of IT/ITeS in the region since 2005.
In the very first year itself, then head of NASSCOM, Kiran Karnik expressed the need for better connectivity to the region with the rest of the world and sought infrastructural development that could pave the way for more investments coming into the state.
eRevolution was initiated by Cyber Media to promote the region as the upcoming investment destination, and right from the kick-off the first event, the region has seen rapid development in many areas including the setting up of Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park, IT park in Mohali areas, four-laning of national highways, hi-speed broadband connectivity, rail linkages and more flights to Chandigarh airport, which is getting upgraded to international status with direct links to many countries becoming a reality in few months from now.
Punjab Infotech which is hosting the event with Chandigarh IT Department is excited about the event since it would give opportunity to leverage its excellent infrastructure and quality of life to the new starts-up and IT companies wishing to expand into the region, says Rakesh Verma, Managing Director, Punjab Infotech.
The setting up of the ISB in Mohali, IIT-Ropar, and proximity to numerous other technical and business institutes in the region, the investors can depend upon the highly skilled and trained manpower, for which both the Chandigarh Administration and Punjab Infotech are making special endeavours and have initiated numerous academia-industry-government linkages.
Many new IT Parks/SEZs have been promoted in Mohali, Ropar, Rajpura, Kapurthala areas with single-window clearance system to help the entrepreneurs in every possible way.
Besides, Punjab Infotech and Department of IT in Chandigarh Administration, eRevolution2010 is co-hosted by STPI Mohali, along with Nasscom and TiE as the conference partners.
On the first day the Conference shall be looking at the 'Future Readiness' challenges for the region and explore the possibilities of ICT-Cluster Collaborations, besides a power panel discussion on "Building New India".
The Nasscom led session on the second day would look at the region 5 years from now, New Age Marketing, 3G Impact, etc.
For more information and registration, you can email Shweta Trehan, Viney Verma or Amresh Mishra

Chandigarh - The Cleanest City

Yes, Chandigarh has been adjudged recently as the cleanest city. Indeed, compared to many other cities in the country today. But how clean will it be?
Just go out in the evening for a walk on Sukhna Lake and you will find all sorts of litter including empty cups, paper, empty packets of chips. The central market place, Sector 17, is no better. And lots of other places. Well-educated people would throw out wrappers and empty bottles and paper plates out of their cars on the road, as if this is the free dustbin.
It's time for all of us to consciously make endeavour not to make our city a big dustbin. Let's be proud of our city, and its beauty. Let's keep it clean.

Free Open Hand

Thanks to Dr Gaurav Chhabra, the renowned documentary maker of our own city, and a social activist who is always searching to mobilise youth and infuse new ideas.
Open Hand Republic is the newest addition to his campaigns and on 25th January there would be a brainstorming event, 'cultural jamming' in the "Contemplation Pit" at the Open Hand Monument in Sector 1, Chandigarh. Anyone can participate and express ideas through visual arts/performance/discussion/music/street play/photography, etc.
City based youth groups and organisations are invited to be a part of the discussions.
A Visual Artist, Sawan, shall showcase for photography enthusiasts, 'painting with light' and 'light animation'.
Light a Candle for 'Free the Open Hand Campaign' to ignite the spirit of 'Republic' for your own city.
Kites of 'Freedom' - Join in the Kite flying activity before the start of event to represent the high spirits of the People of Chandigarh.

Arts and Heritage Festival

To give boost to art and culture, and present Chandigarh as a tourism hub, the Chandigarh Administration is organizing a six-day Arts and Heritage Festival beginning from March 27 to April 1st, 2010.

The six day festivity will put forth the best of theatre performances, dance, vocal and instrumental performances by national and international artists in the evening. During the day there will be many informative events like Painting workshop, face to face interaction with renowned authors, seminars on visual and literary art, Interactive sessions with renowned artists from art and music fraternity, live demonstration by the painters, post event informative interactions with performers and many more.