it is not an unusual thing for a newcomer to come to the party with certain inhibitions, have a great time (or otherwise) and then disappear without getting noticed or introduced to people that he intended to meet up with. I  am specifically mentioning this coz I’ve experienced this on earlier occasions. Perhaps this is the 3rd/4th party I attended, the first one being at SWIGS months ago. For the first time, there was hesitation, fear, and excitement and to top it all: Desire to have FUN!! I didn’t know anybody and was truly lost for sometime. Luckily then I had banged into Sultan whom I met at the Voodoo on earlier occasion. Thereafter, We (Sultan and I) did start a conversation. Not to forget that very soon I found myself tapping few footsteps, in some corner of the dance floor. Also, at the first party. I banged into one of my college acquaintance, we exchanged nos. and that’s it. The crux of it all is that though I did feel comfortable at the first party, the need to get introduced to key people remained unfulfilled.

And here was at the party on the 24th, where I knew or rather got introduced to people with whom I have always wanted to be associated. After a hectic day at the film festival (having seen 5 films in the day), I still had the energy to make it to the party. At the reception desk, there was Dee (as usual with his smiling face) who I guess noticed me for the first time at this party. And then there were the usual HI's to Sultan and Ranima. Was disappointed that Irfan didn’t turn up (Otherwise I’d have got company way back home). The music and the food was the definitely very good (better than all the parties that I had attended before). Not to forget that I was introduced to Vikram (whom I have had been wanting to meet since a long time). I am glad that with each party, my list of friends is multiplying. 

Perhaps I enjoyed more at this party because I knew more people than ever before. I guess the comfort level increases with each GB event and one looks forward to more and more exciting events ahead (I had missed the picnic to the water kingdom last year, the film screenings last month and all the earlier GB meets).

Truly speaking from my own experience, I would advice that every newcomer should come to the party and not stay at home out of fear (like I did on earlier occasions). Once there, you should try to introduce yourself with people around who (I am confident) are very welcoming and friendly. Thereafter, you should try to be in touch with people whom met you at the first event. These new acquaintance, I am sure would introduce to yet another set of people at the next event and then you will be surprised to find yourself at a GB event where u will know almost the whole gin bang (what I realized at this party!) It is a simple networking cycle which I believe is an essential need for all of us.