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Compass Tech Fair 2013 inaugurated with much fanfare

COMPASS 2013- Eastern India' largest Tech Fair was inaugurated amidst huge fanfare at the Mlian Mela Grounds. The Tech Fair was inaugurated by Manish Gupta, Regional Sales Director, Dell India who also served as the Guest of Honor along with host of other dignitaries. Due to certain unexpected issues, Partha Chatterjee, Honourable Minister-in-Charge for Information Technology could not make his presence felt during the first hour of the ceremony but was present during the afternoon to deliver his Keynote address.

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DQW Bureau
New Update

COMPASS 2013- Eastern India' largest Tech Fair was inaugurated amidst huge fanfare at the Mlian Mela Grounds. The Tech Fair was inaugurated by Manish Gupta, Regional Sales Director, Dell India who also served as the Guest of Honor along with host of other dignitaries. Due to certain unexpected issues, Partha Chatterjee, Honourable Minister-in-Charge for Information Technology could not make his presence felt during the first hour of the ceremony but was present during the afternoon to deliver his Keynote address.

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Dell is the primary Sponsor for the event along with Microsoft and HP as Co-Sponsors. The Event also has a host of associate sponsors who supported this event inspite of the ongoing business slowdown.

The ceremony was flagged off in the presence of COMPASS board members. Pawan Jajodia, President, COMPASS 2013 recognized the state government's proactive measures to make the state an attractive destination for investors. His speech highlighted two key points. First, the requirement of Milan Mela grounds to be more enhanced with respect to infrastructure to meet international standards. Secondly, he mentioned his strive to bring VAT charges for networking solution products from 14.5% to 5%. VAT or Value Added Tax comes under two slabs-14.5% and 5%.All computer related products are charged at 5%. However, it is the networking solution products which are charged at 14.5%.This often causes ambiguity amongst the sellers and dealers. Jajodia said that he has been pursuing this issue since 2007. Though, the change has not been accepted yet he is trying to remove this ambiguity and bring VAT for networking solution products at 5% and make it come at par with other computer and IT products.

Sanjay Chhajer, Chairman, Exhibition Committee, COMPASS 2013 briefed on the unique events that are expected to be major crowd pullers for this year's fair. Compass Gaming League (CGL) which is perhaps the biggest gaming event in this part of the country. Around 21 schools are participating in the event and the excitement could well be seen in the long lines of registration formed in the early hours of the morning itself. Tell-Me- How where spectators possessing gadgets and gizmos can learn tips and tricks from the wizards of the industry and learn to rule their machines. Inter -School Quiz is the most awaited event for students with live rounds of audio and video promising an action packed atmosphere for three days. Chhajer also announced that for the first time in India, spectators can witness live demonstration of 3D printing at the fair.

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Apart from the sub-events,. COMPASS Tech Fair 2013 also arranged social activities handled by students who are trained by the association itself.
Last came the turn of Manish Gupta, who drew a parallel between Dell's success story over the past decade with that of COMPASS', to open his speech. Gupta felt that Eastern India bore immense potential for business opportunities. He said that presently they have 19 exclusive stores in East India yet by March 2014, they plan to raise the number to 35 with 14-15 stores in West Bengal itself. "Technology is all about changing customer needs and enabling them to grasp it faster," said Gupta. He mentioned that for their business growth, Dell's channel partners are extremely critical and have helped in increasing their reach across different parts of the country.

The inaugural ceremony was concluded with Prakash Agarwal, Hony, Secretary, COMPASS 2013 giving a note of thanks to all sponsors, co-sponsors, associate sponsors, partners, students, media agencies and end users who stood strong in bringing the event come live on stage.

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