[ILUG-Cochin.org] Software Freedom Day 2008 Report

[Sameer Mohamed Thahir]

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/29855585@N02/sets/72157607411615307/


Thank You
Regards
Sameer Mohamed Thahir