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Cochin twestival 2011: Why it Rocked!

Cochin twestival 2011 turned out as special as the spellbinding effect of the city called Kochi. People scoff at times, asking me why its so special a place to me in comparison with other metros that, according to them, are better developed today. 

The city itself has a magical appeal
You know, the city of Kochi is special to my heart. It is not where i grew up, in the literal sense. Even when I was living in Africa with my parents, Kochi held the key to my dreams and devotion. I constantly dreamed of this city, with its narrow lanes, bright as button red buses that look like long moving buttons and its cosmopolitan clutter of people constantly on the move as though they will miss a bus or a ferry in case they lost a minute.  

Generosity of Spirit & Love
For me, meeting tweeples I knew only through Twitter and getting to know them in person was a real highlight, more than the terrific rock band or anythingelse. It gave me a real feel into the generosity of spirit and love that streamed through Tweeple as they exchanged thoughts and notes about each other. 

Excitement in the Air
There was an excitement in the air, as though romance had lit fireworks in every heart there. Truth is, when people are able to open out to each other, irrespective of any cultural, religious or other differences, there is a real vibration of genuine love that is bound to crackle and make a difference.

Happiness in Being United, Standing Together


On March 24th, 2011, the Cochin twestival took place at the Cochin Gymkhana club. Right from the moment I stepped in, I sensed a synergy, that was palpable among those who were already gathered there and I looked at everyone - their faces full of joy and anticipation and tension that everything should go well. 

Helpful, Caring Volunteers at Cochin twestival 2011
The volunteers at the Cochin twestival deserve appreciation. They were reassuring, helpful and constantly on the move in anticipation of what's next. This is something that thrilled me, considering that many of the Tweeple were all meeting each other for the first time and this kind of dynamism from volunteers gave it an all time high feel.


Around 150 tweeps attended from all parts of Kerala. A welcome note and the twestival video kickstarted the occasion, and a brief insight was given about blogging and tweeting in Malayalam by Mr Pradeep Kumar and Mr Adarsh. There was a discussion about the Adarsh Charitable Trust, followed by a talk on MAD.

Is there a Malayali who does not love rain?


What thrilled was the presentation on Ente Mazha (My Rain), an active rain lovers community in Facebook. It started like this, "When Jayakrishnan wrote a letter to Clara for the first time, it rained. Whenever they met, it rained...." This 'pingili' intro brought a taste of nostalgia and romance to the young hearts gathered at the Cochin twestival 2011. Is there a Malayali who has not felt emotionally drawn to the love story of Jayakrishnan and Clara (Thoovanathoombikal, a film directed by Padmarajan)?

Cochin Twestival 2011 also held prize distribution for  blog competition that was held as part of the twestival and it went to @cyberganga and the prizes were given away by Ms Sharanya Nair.

Comments

R. Ramesh said…
Hi..sorry I was away from blog for long..thanks for staying connected..am happy to have good blog friends like you..keep the cheers n best wishes always
March 30, 2011 at 2:06 AM
Pinpaks said…
I loved this post! How wonderfully well you have written. If the twestival was anything close to what you have written, I have no doubts it was awesome. Thank you for letting us in on the ride. I was almost transported there with the amount of enthu in this post. Simply superb.
March 30, 2011 at 4:22 AM
Sree Raj said…
Nice Post:)and also i could reconnect your contact and meet u with Adi on this Twestival.
March 30, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Vani said…
I really enjoyed being part of Twestival and also the evening of 24th. Your blog has nicely captured the essence of the evening. Even though all speakers did well, Jayakrishnan and Clara was one of the highlights...Thanks all
March 30, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@RRamesh: Thrilled to have you back blogging, hope to meet u in person too. Soon.
March 31, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Rohini: Now, its my turn to be thrilled...thanks to you!
March 31, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Sree@Gmga: Am so glad I got the opportunity to meet u.
March 31, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Vani: Yes, they stole the thunder and won all hearts at the Twestival!
March 31, 2011 at 12:50 AM
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