Web calls: Netizens of Gujarat unite

The world is a small village. And Internet makes the world art even smaller village. But even in these high-powered "Netty" times, there are people who remain unaware about the many users and the functions of the Net. And they continue to remain unaware, as they are not sure about whom to turn to for help.

But Amdawadis need not fear. Help is at hand and all those wannabe Netizens can now learn all that they wanted to know or needed to know. The Gujarat Internet Users’ Group had planned a free seminar, with a view to empowering and helping people who want to learn more about the Internet. A team of professionals, led by Mr M.H. Jowher is promoting the Internet users’ group.

Icenet a local Internet company, and Growth @ Net, an Internet company that is yet to be launched, sponsored the seminar.

Speaking about the new venture that will help Amdavadis in their quest to become "Nettier." GIUG Joint secretary Deevyesh Radia said, "Accomplished Net experts will explain, to people who are not very aware about the Internet as well as to others who want to learn the basics about the everyday use of the Net."

The presentations aided with visual display included details about mailing, browsing, searching. downloading, virus-control, free faxes as well as home pages.

Moreover, the GIUG seminar informed people about how to improve Internet connectivity, using e-mail facility, information search on the Net and other important functions related to the Net.

The group is managed transparently, democratically and professionally through volunteered resources. Besides promoting responsible and disciplined use of the Net, the GIUG seeks to develop effective synergy towards its optimum utilisation, according to a member. 

Membership to the GIUG is free and available through electronic registration. And to increase the use of the Net among people, the registered members avail a free access to an interactive and informative bulletin board on a variety of subjects. According to another member’, GIUG also hosts information for a jumpstart for beginners and other seminars and workshops on its website at.

This is the second such seminar being organised by the group which is basically self-financed Mr Radia said. "The first seminar was held at AMA in December and it received a good response. The seminar on Saturday was conducted by the inhouse personnel."

People in the city were enthusiastic about the seminar and the fact that it was free; only invited more of them to attend it. "The power and potential for using the Internet in day-to-day life is limited only by the imagination of the users." 18-year-old Kalpesh Rawal a wannabe Net expert, said.

"l have never even had any access to the Net and now I will be able to learn all that I can know about it," 22-year old Shivani said. Mr Radia added that the group is planning another seminar called the "high powered seminar" soon.

Compiled from local news media