Software Freedom Day Celebration
20/09/2008
17:00 - 19:15
Participation : 18
Events : Peaceful procession, Candle Light Vigil
The programme for SFD was charted out in a haphazard manner due to the
last minute decisions. But it was good that all went well, even the
climate was favorable for the conduct. The initially planning of a
procession and candle light vigil did not seem feasible until about 2
pm. We made quick decisions and then opened one of the rooms at JJ's
place to find almost everything we required for the event. We purchased
few chart papers for hanging up as body posters. And the team started
writing messages on them. While some others started making placards from
what we could find. Few printouts were taken thanks to JJ and then we
stuck all of them up. We had to run around a bit to get the Assistant
Commisioner's permission simply because he was not available at his
office. But luckily at 4pm we could get his permission in person. The
preparations were hurriedly completed by 5 pm. And we started of on to
conduct what would be Kerala's first free software procession.
All of the people were really excited and this helped create a highly
spirited atmosphere for the event. We started from the church next to
broadway where JJ inaugrated the event. We started marching in two rows
towards the Boat Jetty. Two people held the banner and many of them held
placards and hung the posters on their neck.
The heavy traffic and congested roads made us walk a bit fast. Many of
the onlookers were surprised to see few young people walking with so
much excitement for something they couldnt figure out. Indeed those who
got the message too were surprised to see the initiative. We changed the
original plan to turn before the Boat Jetty and marched further till the
law college. We halted there for almost 15 minutes, which gave the
opportunity for people to read the posters, placards and banners. The
passengers on the vehicles were most among the onlookers. Several small
vehicles slowed down to see what was happening. Indeed the body posters
which was an idea of Balakrishnan Sir had created the necessary impact.
As all this was going on, almost every step of ours was captured by all
those who had a camera. This made the procession turn into a photo
session for the onlookers. We then crossed to the other side and started
our march back to Marine Drive. Again the insane driving of the Killer
buses was keeping us on guard on when to jump to safety. We reached
Marine Drive and halted just before the Bay Pride Mall. We stood there
for almost 20 minutes. The group was a great attraction to all the
people. Couple of people came close to us and enquired about what was
going on. We could tell them few things about Free Software.(
Unfortunately we hadnt carried any pamhplets due to last minute
preparations).We could get a good publicity with that small time.
The group then moved to the Marine Drive walkway and took two rounds up
and down.
And ended up at the Marine Drive Musical Walkway bridge at 6:30pm. Few
of us bought candles and we lit them at 6.45. The light breeze made it
difficult to hold the flames. And also many of the people had started
moving back home. We walked till the end of the walkway and ended the
days programme with few among us talking and thanking all.
We went back to broadway and dispersed back home. Indeed although there
was nothing specific achieved by the programme, we had realized a form
of publicity that was more effective. and celebrating Software freedom
day in style, unlike all other places were it was celebrated inside and
we showed the world that september 20th indeed had a siginificance.
We thank the Assistant Commisioner of Police, and the office staff for
allowing us to take out this procession at a very short notice of few
hours and also for having provided the necessary precautions.
Thanks to Prinson for the initiative and ideas.
Sreenadh, Shibin, Shyam, Royce, Vipin for making the entire program a
reality
IB Manoj for giving our contact to prinson and actively taking part
for all the hard work
Nitish for the previous day planning and active participation from
Nawal, Abhishek, Awadesh, Chandan, Ajay from CUSAT
And JJ for all the material printouts and for keeping ILUG capable of
celebrating
SFD with a place we can call our own in the heart of the city.
Of Course Balakrishnan Sir for the wonderful ideas and the vision for
ILUG Cochin
People Who participated for the event
Prinson
Shyam
Royce
Vipin
I B Manoj
Sreenadh
Sameer
Shibin
Sreekanth
Bilal
Nitish
Nawal
Abhishek
Awadesh
Chandan
Ajay
Venkat
Jay Jacob
Photos available at :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/sets/72157607411615307/
Thank You
Regards
Sameer Mohamed Thahir
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