Last Wednesday (20/Sep/2006) I delivered a Keynote address for “National Conference On Advanced Computing & Technology” – a technical conference organized by MCA department of Jayaram College of Engineering & Technology, Pagalavadi, Trichy. As the Chief Guest of the event, I had the privilege of sharing the dais with Dr.R.Krishnamoorthy, Deen Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Trichy (BIT).
When I agreed to attend the event, my expectations were not great – Students are not going to be interested in hearing one more industry talk. I was mistaken, the participated students were attentive and even had some interesting questions for me. I spoke about the reasons why I believe that Indian IT Exports are poised to grow further and tips for fresh graduates. I thoroughly enjoyed doing the event and the trouble of spending one-and-half days (Chennai to Trichy by Road takes about 5 to 6 hours each way) was worth it.
The Hospitality of the organizers was awesome and their College Chairman Er.M.Subramaniam & other dignitaries spoke great about me – I am not sure I deserve it and I had to accept them in all humbleness.
Following the Inauguration function, there was a brief press meet for me organized with the reporters from media (TV, News Agencies & Print). Press meets are always interesting and they are a tight rope to walk – you want to tell them as much as you can so that you get good coverage and at the same time you don’t want to imply anything that you didn’t intend to. You got to be as clear and as explicit as possible, to the extend you don’t sound boring/legal. My position also makes it difficult, I want to talk about my company “Vishwak Solutions Pvt. Ltd.” and the great work we are doing there; but press wants (as expected) to focus on my honourary title as “Microsoft MSDN Regional Director” – I don’t want to be mis-interpreted as a “Microsoft” Official. This meet was useful for me, as I got good oppurtunity to talk about Vishwak’s investments in mobile web technology, hiring challenges, problems of taxation for Indian Small Software exporters and more. I am happy to see good coverage resulting out of it, coming in various media (On DD Poodhigai TV – 27/Sep, The Hindu – 24/Sep, Dina Malar – 21/Sep and others).
After the event, I had a spontaneous invitation by Dr.R.Krishnamoorthy to deliver a similar talk in his college. Accepting the invitation I travelled down to BIT (in Pudukotai highroad near Trichy Airport) and talked to the students there for about 15-20 minutes. It was lunch time so I didn’t risk standing in front of their food :-)
Watch video of my speech
Attachments:
Media Coverage: