Symposium on Blogging

Conceived at Ramesh’ canteen, this idea was initially like a dream for us to come together and discuss it over numerous cups of tea. Later, it turned into a reality. Attended by journalism students, enthu-bloggers and techno savvies, the much-debated Symposium on blogging held in Pune this evening amidst a cheering response.

Event on blogging isn’t new anywhere anymore. But then today’s was arguably the first of its kind because of its unique nature- not just it was organised by University’s department but the participation of non-bloggers with equal fervor made it a unique.

Honestly at the beginning I had reservations about its success. But then, Madhyamites, a group comprising myself, Nitin, Prasann and Ganesh along with journalism department head Dr Ujjwala Barve organised each thing so well that the event finally turned a grand success.

Initial concerns about audience, panelists and other issues vanished soon when two guests- Pradyuman Maheshwari and Debashish Chakrabarti reached before time while listeners followed them anon to fill the Garaware college audio-visual hall.

Maheshwari, a seasoned journalist, discussed various nuances of this new medium. Debashish, a known name in the blogoshere, covered various aspects leaving no issue on blogging untouched. A big thank to both of them.

These sessions were followed by the other equally interesting sessions. There was however a quick tea break in between to help us remain non-sleepy.

After break Symposium resumed. Ravi Amale, a friend and blogger, talked about simple precautions to be taken while blogging. He delivered some quick tips on how blogging in Marathi will help us break barriers to set new standards. Till evening I used to take pride of being privy about some secrets that I and Ravi shared. I sounded fool when Amrita- Prasann’s friend- discussed that secret with an ease. It appear tobe a well-known thing to many in the field. A moment to realize that I am no longer privileged.

Fourth session was my favorite. Blogging isn’t new for me, but recent developments including Kunte-Barkha Dutt saga and a landmark judgment by apex court on commentary on blogs through comments was all we were looking to discuss with adv. Vaishali Bhagwat, who counsels police on cyber laws. It was a recollection of old memories when adv Bhagwat taught us copyright and defamation. Only difference this time was I remained more cautious and eager to listen to her since the issues she discussed were directly pertinent to my professional and extra-professional activities.

The bloggers and others who participated in the last session actually came as icing on the cake. Their eagerness to converse with each helped us re-ensconced our belief that future event will be even bigger and sure to say a grand success. And yes, how can I forget twits- Amit Paranjpe and Navin Kabra- their participation made the event even more exciting.

Here, I specially thank Prasann, Nitin, Ganesh, Dr Barve and many other participants who helped this event an exciting affair.

15 comments:

Chetan said...

Thanks a lot for this summary. Asa vatata ki khup kahi miss kela and I had pangs of nostalgia about the department days.

Anonymous said...

Kharay Chetan. program khup ch chhan zala, worth attending. The pre-event discussions at Ramesh canteen were quite reminiscent of our debates during journalism days. I can organize another such event provided you join us :)

Anonymous said...

Yogesh,
Conratulations on organising a very interesting and enjoyable blogging symposium in Pune.
Regards
Vikram Karve

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mr. Karve

It would have been short in the greatness had we not have your support and presence.

Anonymous said...

It was really good and quite informative too.

Next time you do something, please be it about twitter. Blog may become passe by then.

debashish said...

Yogesh it was an enjoyable 1/2 day at Symposium really. Thanks a lot to Madhyamites & Dr Barve for inviting me and hearty congrats on the success. The thing I liked most was that podium was open for all and not few and it was fun to get different perspectives on the subject. I look forward to a continued association with you all.

Regards,

Debashish

Anonymous said...

Thanks Samidha

...and yes, next time you take trhe initiative and I will extend all possible support.

Anonymous said...

Very true Debashish. Symposium's success lies in its 'Discussion open to all' character besides the four thoroughly insightful lectures.

We generated the idea, department picked it very well and you Pradyuman, adv. Bhagawat and Ravi helped us accepting the invitation, making the event a grand success.

...and yes, the association has just begun, will flourish further as we go along. The twitter group is ready to enlighten willing ones on micro-blogging...You are a tweet, so how you think about it ?

thanks again,

Yogesh

Unknown said...

Thanks for reporting the event

डॉ.रूपेश श्रीवास्तव(Dr.Rupesh Shrivastava) said...

मित्रांनो असं वाटतय कि नक्की चांगला इवेंट मिस झाला पण नेक्स्ट टाइम श्योर.....
बापू ने मला इथे पाठविला....
डा.रूपेश श्रीवास्तव
भड़ास
आयुषवेद
अर्धसत्य

Sneha Gore said...

three comments yogesh:
a. i agree 100% with what you said
b. your grammar is really good. coz you have not made the error of 'comprises of' ;)
c. you seem to be one of those fascinated by having a clock on your display!

Bhagwat said...

Is this event already over? this news says it is going to be held on march 28.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=RSSFeed-News&id=c749f3b3-e456-4efa-9ad3-c9b635a6b70c&Headline=Symposium+for+Marathi+bloggers

Kapil said...

No Invite Yogesh!

Ashish said...

Hello yogesh,
It was really a nice event. Though i was told that you will be asked questions by audience and you need to answer them, suddenly i came to knw that i have to speak on dias....

Ohhh, speaking on dias is something that i have never tried, but tried few lines on How to earn from blogging.

I wish you best luck,
And with time this event becomes more and more successfull.

Ashish Kulkarni.

Ashish said...

Hello yogesh,
It was really a nice event. Though i was told that you will be asked questions by audience and you need to answer them, suddenly i came to knw that i have to speak on dias....

Ohhh, speaking on dias is something that i have never tried, but tried few lines on How to earn from blogging.

I wish you best luck,
And with time this event becomes more and more successfull.

Ashish Kulkarni.