Couples can enter for free, and club rules are applied. So Kochi, we know where we can find you on 11^th February 2012!! See you at Ava Lounge.

The event comprises of video installations that refer to the Hortus Malabaricus, its compiler Hendrik van Drakenstein and its contemporary usage. It also deals with the history and present day traces of Dutch colonization in Fort Cochin. Fort Kochi has been a bowl of cultures. Having hosted people from far-off lands, this place in the city of Ernakulam is the homeland to many people. From Jews to Anglo-Indians and more, we see an array of cultures here.

The event will be held on February 15^th to the 22^nd, 2012, at David Hall, Fort Cochin.

February 18^th, 2012 : from 5p.m. to 8 p.m. Opening of the exhibition, public discussion and launch of the online community platform.

Mrs. Mariella van Miltenburg, Head of the Department of Political Affairs and Public Diplomacy of the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi, will officially open the exhibition. Make sure that you take part be part of this event.

From Kochi Corporation to private organizations, many people have strived to bring about a change. But this has often gone unheard and unseen. Laws and rules have been implemented. But we all know that they don’t last long. So where does the real solution lie? In our hands, or with the concerned authorities? Without say we know that the roles we ought to play are crucial. But how many of us really strive for a cleaner Kochi?

Aby Mathew, who works with a private firm in Kochi says that the solution lies in the hands of Kochiites. “Many laws have been passed. But even now, people dump garbage on the main roads, without the slightest thought about fellow beings! It’s just a matter of concern. Throw your household garbage to the main bins rather than public places. You can see the difference in the cleanliness of our city”, said Aby. “Why is garbage disposal an issue to Kochiites alone? The problem isn’t this worse in other parts of the state”, says Shalom Thomas, a resident of Kochi. “Let us be more considerate and make sure that the garbage goes to the bins and not on our roads. Also, we must stop throwing bottles and wrappers on footpaths”, added Shalom.

Well, we all know that all these will make a difference and facilitate to a cleaner better Kochi. So what are we waiting for? We need to start working for clean Kochi!

We spoke to a few Kochiites who have been opting for multiplexes these days, and here is what they think about it! Mathews Wilson, who works with a software firm in Kochi, says that he likes multiplexes mainly due to their cleanliness and hygiene. “When I hear the movie is good, I prefer watching it in a multiplex, whereas if it’s a mediocre one, I prefer the normal theatre. But today, most of them go to a multiplex due to the hype and publicity given to it”, said Mathews. “But honestly, I would go to a multiplex now, be it with family or friends”, added Mathews.

Terine Lewis, a resident of Kochi says that the switching over to multiplexes these days is due to the change in our lifestyles. “Youngsters prefer fancy places. So they wouldn’t go to the local theatres. Multiplexes are way better any day”, says Terine.

So now we understand that unless owners of the theaters take some smart initiatives, you would very soon find a city where theatres are not seen, and rather ruled by multiplexes!

Students from across the nation will come together in Kochi to be part of the event. Held every year, ‘Pragathi’ makes sure that students have a good time during the event. Pragathi will have entertainment shows, cultural programmes, quiz, and seminars where students can come together, share their views and express their opinions.

More than 1000 students from across the nation are expected to be part of ‘Pragathi’ this year. The organizers have ensured the best arrangements for these students. For more details log onto http://www.icwaicochin.com/.

The fest is supported by the event management company ‘India Elements’, and the event will also host many computers, auto shows etc. They also have cultural events like creative writing, photography competition, face painting, mehndi designing, soap carving, cultural events and more. Gaming events are also conducted as part of ‘Advay 2012’. Students who are chosen as Mr. and Ms. Advay will carry home wonderful prizes too!

They will also have a DJ Nite where students can listen to some great music, and have a good time. Hope Advay 2012 reaps the best and turns out to be a successful one!

Here is what a couple of young Kochiites think about women safety after wee hours in the city. “Kochi is still not safe for women to travel after 7 p.m. When a girl walks on the road after dusk, men still tend to look at them in a negative way, and that is definitely not safe”, says Jerry Sequira, who works with a private organization in Kochi . “We have a long way to go. Government and cops need to be more strict and vigilant to protect women”, added Jerry. Devika Kumar, who lives in Kochi says “Kochhites need to change their attitude. Kochi is progressing in the party front and girls do night-outs with friends. Accept that we have come a long way from just being a small town”.

We all know how unsafe it still is for women to travel after dark, not just in Kochi but any metro for that matter. But Kochiites need to change their attitudes as well! What do you think about this!?

The event will be held at Ambedkar Stadium, Near KSRTC Bus stand on the 12^th of February 2012. The show will start at 7 p.m, and make sure that you get your seats well in advance. You can avail free passes from The Times of India office at Imperial Trade Centre at Padma Junction, M. G Road. And the evening will be added with more musical extravaganza when Kollywood singer Karthik sings his best songs for Kochhiites. Singer Karthik has awed us with his lovely songs and beautiful voice. On Sunday, he would ensure that Kochiites are entertained through a nice musical journey.

If you have been wondering how to spend your Sunday evening, here is the best option. Spend it ‘musically’ with Avial and Karthik. See you there Kochi!

Kochi has been the host to events like Kochi Fashion Week and umpteen fashion shows. But have they really created a change in the mindset of the Malayali? We aren’t talking about men alone, women also needs to go a large way when it comes to accepting clothes. Tanya Thadikaran, a resident of Kochi feels that there has been a paradigm shift in our crowds’ mindset recently. “Malayali’s are now open to other styles and are accepting more of North Indian and western forms of clothes. The emergence of Kochi Fashion Week has made a huge difference. Many designer stores are have started in Kochi, including the latest Ritu Kumar store”, said Tanya. “This shows that Kochiites have become conscious about how they look, and also want to update on the latest trends”, added Tanya.

Geethesh Pillai, who lives Kochi, says that Women Fashion in Kochi is still lagging far behind in our city. “Women dressing in our city are still conservative, and they aren’t confident on what they wear. I think the coming of big malls like Lulu will make a difference. All we can do is wait and see”, said Geethesh.

So what do you think about the women fashion scene in our city? Tell us what your take is on this.

Why look towards the government and the bureaucracy when the transformation can begin at home? By overlooking our own capacities as harbingers of change and prosperity for the downtrodden in society, do we not sell ourselves short? Does not the new generation of citizens in the world’s most youthful nation possess the transformative power and vigor to re-shape society, and chart its own course to a brighter destiny?

SOCIOPRENEUR is an annual event conducted by the E-Cell of Model Engineering College, Kochi. True to its tag “Think Different for A Change”, Sociopreneur recognizes the potential inherent in budding young entrepreneurs to mould the future of this country, and inspires them to utilize their creative and business acumen to create social ventures targeting any one or more of the several shortcomings of modern society. The event requires you to create a Business Plan, which when executed can and will create a social change/impact for the good. Participants from across Kerala, and indeed, across the whole of India shall present their blueprints for the India they envision, and the work to be done to attain it! The winning team takes over Rs. 40,000 as cash prize as an incentive to bring their ideas to fruition and help Be the Change!

India awaits its next generation of visionaries! Will YOU answer its call?  The online phase of the competition concludes on February 20th, 2012.

Mail in your entries for Sociopreneur 2012 to sociopreneurmec@gmail.com on or before the date specified.

For more information regarding competition format, timeline, stay tuned to the following sources:

Website: http://www.ecellmec.org

Facebook Account: Socio Preneur

Facebook Page: Sociopreneur-MEC

Twitter Account: @sociopreneurmec