Namaste
I’ve always believed in the saying “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन” meaning there should be no expectation of rewards for your work. That’s how I began my journey in social work, as well as my contributions to mapping.
It’s been quite a journey. In 2015, I received a Google pin, and just last year, in 2024, I got a Google fanny pack. But this year, destiny had other plans. I was shocked and overjoyed when I received the invitation to Google Connect Live.
Not only were my flights and stays sponsored, but I was going to visit two Google offices, a dream come true. Meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends at the event felt even better than I had imagined. After reading posts from @Mikeinthefalls NYC and @ChamnanMuon Tokyo’s Connect Live events, I had high expectations for the fun and it truly lived up to it!
My journey started with the caring guidance of @Sagarkanherkar and @Shrut19 who made sure I was comfortable and well taken care of throughout the trip. I’m deeply grateful to them.
We arrived a day early and visited Adiyogi and Nandi Hill, it was a a night to remember, nonetheless no regrets! Everything happens for a reason. I had an amazing time with the @NareshDarji and Gujarat team, dancing, singing, and playing dumb charades. The most iconic chorus given by @PrinceKumar and back benchers of ‘Tadpaygi’ is something I still think of and that brings smile on my face. The never heard movies in dumb charades. I got a lovely nephew, Jay who walked by my side and asked so many questions & I’m the coolest Aunt, who answered every question of him gracefully.
The next day, we arrived at Hotel Zuri, and I was overwhelmed by the arrangements, the room, and everything else. I was greeted by some familiar faces and a few new ones among the local guides. I was assigned a room on the top floor, giving me a perfect view.
It was a welcome reception in evening, where we all got ready in traditional attire and joined @abhishekpatk @ShubhamWaman @Ketan_Kangankar @Praniketmore @DurgaK03 @Rushikesh_joshi for some beautiful songs that energized the bus. The venue was stunning, and the excitement of exploring the Google office was palpable. @Kristen_NYC speech was fantastic, and we were introduced to Googlers @David_K @KevinKwok @TinaWill @emilyg .
We also had a “Take one, Leave one” session where local guides exchanged souvenirs, and Google provided sustainable paper bags to take them home. Though it only lasted two hours, it was well worth the time. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, still full of energy, singing and dancing along the way, taking song requests from others. Special thanks to my companions for their wonderful performance.
Back at the hotel, we all gathered for a fun mix of Secret Santa and White Elephant gift exchange. Do checkout the post for all the gits.
We had small birthday celebration of lovely lady Shruti at the midnight, we could not found the cake, so we bought muffins and Thanks to Team Zuri for the complimentary muffins on short notice and awesome service.
Day 2 started very early on a refreshing note with a swimming session with fellow local guides, I was just a photographer 
It was so much fun seeing them swimming @pritish saw some tricks of backflips, butterfly strokes, and different swimming styles. Truly an entertaining and energetic start to the day.
Then we headed for the women’s meetup at Carina hosted by @Globe_trotter_Ish . We left a bit early than others, singing and dancing on the bus. @RosyKohli wore a dupatta in the style of saree for Tina, and she graciously accepted and wore it throughout the event such a lovely gesture. We took tons of photos and had meaningful conversations I won’t go into, but trust me, they were for the greater good!
We exchanged even more gifts, and over the two days, received so many! Meals at Carina were incredible breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, with plenty of mocktails to enjoy. We had some presentations, panel discussions, and a personal favorite Coffee with @Latika_Malhotra
There was a lot of talk about #LetsMakeMapsBetter, and we broke into groups to discuss things that I can’t share but trust me, it’s all about improving maps and the community. We had the pleasure of hearing from our favorite Road Mapper @PrasadVR Sir and the lovely @SonamW during a panel discussion led by Isha; proud of them both!
Later, we received sustainable fabric bags and beautiful gift sets with handwritten notes. On the way back, we sang with even more energy our voices practically giving out, as if we’d never meet again. It was amazing to find people who vibe on Aarti and bhajans. Huge thanks to @Kumaarsantosh for suggesting beautiful songs, and of course, to my amazing band for carrying the tunes. And yes, @KetanChhaniyara your soothing Kanthi came to the rescue!
We wished we had more time for games like UNO or just to relax and gossip, but the two days were unforgettable. I received so many gifts from everyone Google, the women’s team, and fellow local guides. This trip taught me so much about the maps, connect and the community, some meaningful conversations with fellow local guides, some unique experiences, and helped me form lifelong friendships. It was exactly the kind of trip I needed.
Thank you, Google, for organizing such a wonderful event, and a huge thanks to the organizing team and fellow local guides for making it such a success. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. We’ll cherish these memories for a lifetime. As I write this, my heart is still in Bangalore, reliving those moments.
Wish you all a very happy new year..!
Wrapping up for this year, until we meet again, Hakuna Matata.!
P.S. With the new announcement of connect live, do not forget to register. Mazel Tov!
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Those two days were full of fun, insights and amazing experiences… Happy New Year to you and your family 
