Dream Spark Yatra (DSY) is a Microsoft India initiative, empowering students who are passionate about technology to get an insightful overview of the current trends in the software industry. This was the second time I delivered a technical talk at DSY. My first talk at DSY was on “Application development for Windows Phone 7†in Bangalore.
DSYs are special for both the attendees (students) and Microsoft. They are special because of the in-depth talks on the latest technologies and the sheer number of attendees, which is usually over a thousand.
Although Bihar has produced several engineering stalwarts in the past, there were very few engineering colleges of national repute. These days, however, students no longer have to leave the state to receive a high quality education.
In Patna itself, three engineering colleges, IIT, BIT and NIT, have come into existence. However, until now, a connection with Microsoft was still missing.
DSY at BIT, Patna was even more special because it happened for the first time in this part of the country. Over 1000 engineering students from IIT, BIT and NIT participated in this mega event.
Microsoft’s direct connection sparked a new zeal and passion for technology amongst the participants. Their enthusiasm and the glow in their eyes after the session deliveries provided a truly rewarding experience for all the speakers.
Dr. Janak Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Bihar and Mrs. Smita Pallavi, research fellow at BIT Patna, enlightened everyone with their keynotes and inaugural talks. Then followed the full day core tech talks:
i. “Microsoft Robotics developer studio†& “Windows Embedded†delivered by Ujjwal, Partner Consultant, Microsoft
ii. “XNA based game design†delivered by Vignesh (4th year engineering student, Amity college of Engineering, Noida & national level finalist at Microsoft Imagine Cup, 2010)
iii. “WebMatrix†by Vishal Gupta (Alumni, BIT Meshra, Ranchi)
Devesh (Microsoft Student Partner – MSP) and Pooja managed the stage, while Rashmi & Abhishek managed the back stage and took care of the audience throughout the day. All of them are BIT Patna engineering students and their contribution was par excellence with full passion, dedication & professionalism.