These are exciting times when the youth doesn’t think twice before getting together for a power-packed performance — be it a rally for a cause, a parade march or just a fun get-together with strangers. Adding to this list of events full of excitement are “flash mobs”. After the Mumbai locals pulled it off pretty well at the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hyderabad enjoyed its first ever large-scale flash mob recently.

Their spontainety, zeal and enthusiastic presence definitely packs a punch. Youngsters tell us what makes flash mobs so popular.
“They’re all about fun. No one is out there to hog the limelight or be a hero. You can see it on their faces. They’d just like to do their thing and quickly disappear into becoming a face-in-the-crowd again. In more ways than one, they’re like lightning. They come without notice and seldom strike the same place twice. And they are electrifying,” says 2blue (aka Tirthankar Poddar), lead singer of the rock band Zedde.
The energy is too infectious to be ignored. It’s interesting to see how onlookers shed their inhibitions and join the flash mob. “And why not? For most people, it’s such a pleasant way to get away from the busy day, and it’s inspiring to see how people clap together, sing together. It’s a way to tell people that they’re all stars in their own right,” says Richa Nathani, an engineering student.
There’s no denying that a flash mob definitely has a strong presence and impact. And not just youngsters, but even for those in their 50s, flash mobs are like independent movements to say “we’re united”.
“When I first saw the video of the Mumbai flash mob, I was amazed. It gives you goosebumps. The best part is, many people sought this as an initiative to unite various groups of people. It gives you a sense of belonging. It’s a great concept,” says Lohit Kumar, an HR executive.
And no, they aren’t just a bunch of people prancing about. They can trigger your senses and bind you in energy you have never experienced before. “Bringing the crowd together and getting them to leave all thoughts aside and unitedly revel in the moment is really energetic,” says photographer Sandeep Dinker.

Where will comic book addicts meet up
The Indian Comic Con is an initiative that seeks to bring comic book enthusiasts, writers and artists from all across the country to present and take pride in comic books and graphic novels that the country has to offer.
Different styles and techniques of the comic world are brought to fore, and it takes the readers’ experience to a whole new level, be it fantasy or even non-fiction. The Comic convention next year is scheduled from February 17-19 at Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
The place, a hub of handicrafts and cultural programmes, is considered an apt venue by the organisers who feel that the convention is bound to be bigger and better in the forthcoming year. So gear up for a comic treat in New Delhi.

Who is the latest B’town star to join Twitter
Seems like veteran actor Dilip Kumar definitely took some inspiration from his old friend Amitabh Bachchan and decided to reconnect with his fans through the social media. Dilip sahab recently opened his Twitter account on his 89th birthday on December 11, which also happens to be the first day of his tweet. “Thank you all of you who have made my simple life so rich with all your love,” read his first post. What followed were a series of replies from not just fans but also faces from the film industry. It’s definitely a tech-savvy world today!

When is the highest altitude film fest
Film festivals scale new heights as Ladakh prepares itself for its first film festival in 2012. This will be the world’s highest altitude film festival, to be held 13,500 feet above the sea level. The festival will be held from June 15 to 17, 2012.
The aim of the festival is to draw attention of the world and the world cinema towards the pristine beauty of Ladakh. The fest will be chaired by veteran director Shyam Benegal.

What can solve mystery of the universe
The Higgs boson, nicknamed the God particle, is predicted to exist by the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. Once it’s existence is confirmed, it would explain the mystery of what gives this invisible constellation of particles mass. Scientists are close to hunting it down, as it would be the manifestation of an invisible field, the Higgs field, which is thought to permeate the entire universe.