๐๏ธ Date: August 6, 2024
๐บ๏ธ Venue: Super Fab Lab, Kerala Startup Mission, Kochi
๐ Inspired by: Fab Lab Puebla, Mexico
๐จ Theme: Mexico
Graduating with Global Vibes
The Fab Academy 2024 Global Graduation Ceremony was officially held at Fab Lab Puebla in Mexico , bringing together digital fabrication learners from across the world. Though we were thousands of kilometers away in Kochi, Kerala, we didnโt let that distance stop us from being part of the celebration. Instead, we brought the essence of the event home with a vibrant Mexico-themed graduation ceremony at Super Fab Lab Kochi , hosted by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) .
The local event was a reflection of what Fab Academy stands for community, creativity, and collaboration across borders . From the colorful decor inspired by Mexican traditions to the joyful energy of our local Fab community, the event was nothing short of magical.
Moment of Pride
One of the most memorable moments of my journey came when I received my Fab Academy Graduation Certificate from Mr. Sivan Santhosh and Ms. Nimisha Srinivas , in the esteemed presence of Sri. Balagopal Chandrasekhar IAS (Former) . It felt almost unreal to stand on that stage, holding a certificate that represented months of hands-on learning, late nights, and relentless effort.
Adding to the joy of the day, my mom was there in person to witness this milestone. Her presence made the celebration even more meaningful.
Documentary Presentation at the Global Ceremony
Though we were thousands of kilometers away in Kochi, Kerala, we prepared a documentary-style video to showcase our Fab Academy journeyโhighlighting our experiences, projects, and learning moments at Fab Lab Kochi .
This video was proudly shared and presented during the official global graduation ceremony hosted at Fab Lab Puebla, Mexico , allowing us to be part of the celebration on a global stage.
Our Projects & Presentation
Before the certificate distribution, we proudly showcased our project presentation videos, highlighting the incredible range of innovation nurtured throughout the Fab Academy.
All of our physical projects were beautifully arranged for an exhibition in the main lobby of Kerala Startup Mission, giving visitors and fellow graduates a chance to engage with and appreciate each otherโs work.
Capturing the Moments
The day was made even more memorable with group photos capturing the spirit of our community, and personal interviews where we shared our Fab Academy journeys and project experiences.
The event also received media coverage by โ Channel Iโm โ and โ Listen Bytes โ highlighting the innovations and enthusiasm of the Fab Lab community in Kerala.
https://en.channeliam.com/2024/08/19/fab-lab-kochi-graduation-ceremony/
Contributing as an Event Design Volunteer
I had the privilege to be a part of the organizing team for this special event. As an Event Design Volunteer , I was involved in crafting one of the most visually striking elements of the celebration, the Graduation Cubes .
These decorative cubes spelled out "GRADUATION" and served as a central piece of the event installation. Designing, cutting, and assembling them with the team was an enriching experience that brought our creative and fabrication skills to life.
Click here to know more about my volunteer experience.
The Fun Continues
The evening session was filled with fun activities , team bonding, and laughter. From themed games to cultural performances, it was a perfect way to wrap up a day filled with emotion, inspiration, and celebration.
Featured Clips & Media Spotlights
Certificate
After receiving my Fab Academy certificates, I knew I had to frame them. These certificates hold immense personal value โ they symbolize not just the completion of a program, but a transformative journey filled with learning, growth, and perseverance.
From sleepless nights and stepping outside my comfort zone, to weekly assignments, meticulous documentation, collaborative group projects, and the final push of completing and presenting my final project โ every challenge led to this rewarding moment. Local and global evaluations tested our work and resilience, making the moment of receiving the certificate even more meaningful.
What made this journey truly special was the incredible community I was part of. I had the opportunity to learn, fail, try again, and eventually succeed alongside peers from diverse backgrounds โ from mechatronics and electrical engineers to structural engineers, architects, and PhD scholars. We came from different age groups, professions, and levels of industrial experience, yet were united by a shared passion for digital fabrication and making.
Framing the certificate wasnโt just about preserving a piece of paper โ it was about honoring a milestone that marks a chapter of growth, creativity, and global collaboration.
Final Thoughts
My Fab Academy journey was a transformative experience marked by personal growth, perseverance, and meaningful global connections. This local graduation ceremony at Super Fab Lab Kochi reminded me that innovation thrives when we celebrate each otherโs journeys and create spaces that reflect our shared values.
To everyone who made this event possible, from mentors and volunteers to fellow graduates and family, thank you for being a part of this unforgettable chapter.