BarCamp MU3

8 March, Mumbai

If you visit www.barcamp.org, you will find that there are at least two BarCamps taking place in India every month. These unconferences, which allow people interested in technology to interact in an informal manner, have become very popular in the last two years. Students too have taken to the concept—the students of Mumbai University organized Barcamp MU3 on 8 March.

The third university-level BarCamp in the city saw around 80 participants, mostly students and some people from the industry as well. There were some good discussions on Open Source and the importance of community in open source development. Along with the student campers, one could also spot a few college professors occupying the backbenches. Post-lunch, there were discussions on social projects like one laptop per child and use of solar energy.

Technology changes at such a pace that it is difficult to keep tabs on all the happenings, especially as a student. These camps help students learn about new developments taking place in their field of interest in the outside world, which need not always be part of their syllabus. Saumil Parekh, one of the organizers, was happy with the way the event progressed and said the camp helped him and his fellow students learn new things and also network with folks in the industry.

I would recommend these camps to all those studying technology and also to those working in the industry as the energy levels and enthusiasm that campers carry are infectious!

Tarun Chandel works as a business analyst in Capgemini and has been a part of various BarCamps. Currently he is organizing a Blogcamp in Mumbai. He blogs at www.tarunchandel.com.