TAIT's party adds glitter to Diwali'

With Diwali preparations going on in full fervour, the Mumbai IT community
enthusiastically appreciated and enjoyed the Trade Association of Information
Technology's (TAIT) Diwali party. It drew crowds from the entire channel
community including channel partners to distributors to vendors. For once, they
did not don the mantle of just professionals, but as family people, as they
proudly introduced their families to others.

Held on 6th November, at Fantasy Land, it's an event that has been taking
place since the inception of TAIT. Innovation seems to be a buzz word for TAIT
with the association coming up with new ideas every year for the party.
"The new attractions this year were casino for adults, chocolate factory
for children, separate kids section where they had a gala time with video games
and enjoyed rides at Fantasy Land also," said Umang Mehta, member of TAIT.
The children had a wonderful time not just in the kids zone, but also shaking a
jig with the friendly giant cartoon characters and also collecting fire crackers
as gifts.

Another thing that kept the audiences entertained was a troupe of Russians
who gaily juggled, and effortlessly bicycled on just one wheel! There were
giant-sized cartoon characters who were on the move in the party zone. To keep
everyone entertained throughout the party was a DJ giving live and peppy music
throughout.

There were several food counters providing fine culinary experience. There
were five different varieties of food items that were laid-Italian, Chinese,
Mexican, Indian and an chaat corner. "To add a family touch for the event,
there was an album also, a kiosk where a digital photo was taken and the family
photograph was given to the guests instantly in a photoframe," said Umang.

"As compared to around 1,100 people who attended the bash last year,
around 1,300 people are expected this year," quoted Chetan Shah, an
executive council member of TAIT. He added that this was roughly a hike of 25%
more people who attended the celebration this year. Around Rs 10 lakh was put
into making this event a different and enjoyable experience.

"We have been getting congratulatory e-mails and phone calls by people
appreciating the effort out in the event," said __ Kadwadkar, a member of
TAIT.

Not only did members of TAIT look forward to it, the channel fraternity also
eagerly awaited invitations from TAIT. "It is an excellent opportunity to
meet the IT fraternity, partners and at the same time introduce your family to
others," said Ketan Barai, CEO of Kaybee Infotech.

And this is also a good place if you want to begin a family also! "I met
my wife for the first time at TAIT's Diwali party, she being the daughter of a
TAIT member," reminisced Vinod Mulchandani of Aarvee Computers. He also
added that TAIT's Diwali party is always an excellent effort and that such
functions should not be held just once a year, but twice.

Samsung continued to be the official sponsor for the Diwali party. This time
around, though, Logitech was also the co-sponsor for the event.

CI NEWS BUREAU