Unveiling the Tech Extravaganza: A Day at GDG Cloud Mangalore DevFest
Introduction:
Two months of anticipation, excitement, and a last-minute solo journey — this sums up my experience leading up to the GDG Cloud Mangalore DevFest, the first of its kind in the city. Join me on a rollercoaster ride as I recount the thrilling events of November 18, a day that promised to be filled with tech insights, hands-on workshops, and, of course, some unexpected twists.
The Solo Journey:
What was initially planned as a group adventure took an unexpected turn the day before the event. Undeterred, I embarked on a solo trip from Udupi, navigating the slow-paced bus to Mangalore. With a 50–50 willingness to go, I found myself racing against time, reaching the event venue just a minute before the registration closed.
The Registration Rush:
Thanks to the event organizers, Niveus Mangalore, I swiftly completed my registration and received a bag of goodies, setting the tone for the exciting day ahead. Coffee and cookies provided the much-needed fuel, and I dived into an event attended by over 700 enthusiastic GDG Cloud community members. Kudos to the organizers and Sahyadri Engineering College students for orchestrating such a well-managed crowd.
Main Session Delight:
Abirami Sukumaran, a Developer Advocate at Google specializing in Google Cloud databases and data-to-AI journeys, kicked off the main session with an enlightening exploration of generative AI. From data representation in vector formats to the intricacies of building AI models, her insights left the audience captivated and eager for more.
Kubernetes Unveiled:
The day progressed with an in-depth workshop on the Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) by Google cloud associate of Niveus. Clusters, nodes, and pods came to life as we delved into the deployment of applications on the Kubernetes engine. The session provided a clear understanding of GKE, leaving attendees with newfound knowledge to explore.
Feast for the Tech-Hungry:
As the day unfolded, a gastronomic delight awaited us. A feast boasting chicken biryani, vegetable biryani, rice, dal, and more satisfied our appetites. Desserts featuring gulab jamun and scoops of butterscotch, strawberry, and chocolate-flavored ice cream added a sweet touch to the tech-filled day.
Hands-on with Vertex AI:
The highlight of the event was a hands-on workshop on GenAI conducted by Niveus employees. Participants, including myself, dove into the world of Vertex AI by Google, gaining practical experience and valuable insights. The session was a perfect blend of theory and hands-on exploration, making complex concepts tangible.
Mangalore Special Farewell:
As the day concluded, we wrapped up the event with a taste of Mangalore’s speciality — golibaje and coffee. Networking, laughter, and shared experiences filled the air, marking the end of a day that exceeded expectations.
Conclusion:
The GDG Cloud Mangalore DevFest was more than just a tech event; it was a journey filled with surprises, knowledge-sharing, and a sense of community. As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but marvel at the resilience of solo adventures and the richness that emerges from embracing the unexpected. Until the next tech extravaganza!
