Celebrating 10 Years of Connect: My Journey from Kishangarh to a Global Community 
Hello Local Guides! 
I’m Shyam Sunder Tak from Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India, and I’m delighted to join the #MyConnectCaravan campaign celebrating 10 years of Local Guides Connect.
My Google Maps journey began unexpectedly in 2018 when I added a place without even knowing that the Local Guides program existed. Years later, I discovered that this single contribution had received more than 160,000 views. That moment made me realize how one small contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people.
Writing blogs and photography have been my hobbies for many years. I have always enjoyed documenting places, culture, temples, and everyday life through photographs and stories. This habit of capturing and sharing local places on Google Maps eventually led me to discover the wonderful world of Local Guides Connect, where I found people who share the same passion for helping others.
Although my active journey on Local Guides Connect is less than a year old, it has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
During this time, I have shared stories about the hidden heritage and spiritual beauty of my hometown, including Khoda Ganesh Temple, I Love Shiva Hill, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Kishangarh Dumping Yard (India’s Snow Yard), local markets, traditional Rajasthani food, and many other lesser-known places.
I have also contributed by:
Sharing Google Maps Tips & Tricks
Seeking solutions for mapping issues
Participating in virtual meet-ups and community challenges
Starting discussions to improve the Local Guides experience
Learning from feedback shared by fellow Local Guides and Connect Moderators
One person who has greatly inspired me is Connect Moderator Tushar Suradkar. His encouragement, constructive feedback, and guidance have helped me improve my posts and contribute with greater confidence. I am equally thankful to every Local Guide who took the time to read my posts, share suggestions, and encourage me along the way.
Like every Local Guide, I also dream of reaching Levels 8, 9, and ultimately Level 10. However, my circumstances are different. I work a regular full-time job to support my family, so I cannot travel continuously or visit new tourist destinations or foreign countries just to earn points. Most of my contributions come from exploring my own city and nearby places during my free time. Even so, I believe that every honest contribution—no matter how small—has value.
I am not a technology expert, nor do I have advanced technical knowledge. I am simply a curious person who loves learning new things. What started as curiosity, along with my passion for photography and writing, has brought me to this stage of my Local Guides journey. Connect has shown me that dedication and a willingness to learn are more important than being a technology professional.
Sometimes people ask why I am taking photographs of streets, temples, or small businesses. When I explain that I am helping improve Google Maps so that travelers and local communities can benefit from accurate information, their curiosity often turns into appreciation.
Connect has completely changed the way I see my surroundings. It has taught me that every hidden temple, every local business, every street, and every untold story deserves to be discovered and shared with the world.
Today, I continue this journey with gratitude, believing that every review, every photo, every edit, and every story can make someone’s journey a little easier.
Thank you to the entire Local Guides Connect community for making me feel that even a contributor from a small town in Rajasthan can be part of a global family united by the spirit of helping others.
My #MyConnectCaravan Nominations
I would like to keep this wonderful caravan moving by nominating:
@TusharSuradkar
@Rahul001
@SharmaK
I look forward to reading your inspiring journeys!
Here’s to many more years of learning, sharing, and mapping together! 
#MyConnectCaravan #10YearsOfConnect #LocalGuidesConnect #GoogleMaps #LocalGuides #Rajasthan #India photography #HiddenGems #MapWithPurpose #Level10Dream
My Connect Caravan
