I have always loved the word “First.” For me, first has never meant being ahead of others or winning a race. It simply means the courage to begin—a moment when something meaningful takes shape.
As a Local Guide, I’ve been lucky to experience many such firsts. Not because I chased them, but because I truly enjoy connecting people, starting conversations, and helping the community meet beyond the screen.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Local Guides program (#LG10), these firsts feel even more special—because they reflect what this community has always stood for: belonging, connection, and shared beginnings.
When a Pin Became an Identity
One of my most joyful moments happened on 4th February at Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House of India), New Delhi. While walking there, @Arnittraveller noticed the Maps pin on my coat[1] and immediately identified me as a fellow Local Guide. It was the first time someone from our community recognized me in public and approached me. That small pin turned into a powerful symbol of belonging.Here, I have shared the moments of that day.
When My Meet-up Became a First Step
On 20th April, during an in-person heritage walk meetup hosted by me in Delhi, the word first quietly followed us. It was the first in-person meetup for @SonamW and @Hemendu. It was also the first time @MadhurG travelled from Aligarh to Delhi to meet the Local Guides community. Later, he shared:
Moments like these remind me that one meetup can become someone’s first memory of community warmth.
When Tea Created Connections
Sometimes, community building happens not on stages, but over tea(Chai Pe Charcha).
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On 2nd June , after travelling 1200 km to Hazaribag, I met @SahebHussain18030. It was his first-ever in-person meeting with a Local Guide. He even took a half-day leave to spend time together at Hazaribag Jheel — a gesture that truly touched me. He shared his experience here.
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On 19th June, I travelled nearly 600 km to Lucknow to meet @Baba_chillax (Anshuman).My recap is here. This was also his first in-person meeting with any Local Guide. Over tea at a local business, we discussed community challenges and lessons—including the importance of checking emails regularly after learning about his missed Connect Live 2020 invite (later cancelled due to COVID).
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On 16th July, I travelled nearly 200 km to Jaipur for Chai pe Charcha which became @mrkashyap’s first in-person meeting with a Local Guide, something he later shared proudly on Connect
When Festivals Became First Meetings
On 27th July, during a Jaipur Teej Festival meetup hosted by me, @Indraj Gurjar, a scholar from Rajasthan University, met Local Guides in person for the first time. Celebrating culture, tradition, and community together made that first meeting truly special.
When “First” Meant Joining a Global Celebration – LG10ScavengerHunt
One of my happiest moments of 2025 was when the first LG10ScavengerHunt in-person meetup proposal got approved on Connect—just after its announcement by Googler Kristen. That proposal was mine, and it felt deeply fulfilling to be part of the very beginning of a global initiative. The joy multiplied on 7th September, when I learned that this meetup was also the first in-person meetup attended by @Ruchee2. She later shared her happiness on Connect, completing the circle.
After the meetup, I personally reached out to every participant to encourage experience sharing. Out of 10 participants, 8 Local Guides shared their stories on Connect, and to my surprise, @The_GauravS wrote his very first post on Connect inspired by this meetup.
Why These Firsts Matter — Especially at LG10ScavengerHunt
Every first mentioned here belongs to the community. My role was simply to take the first step, so others could find their own. If my effort helped someone attend their first meetup, write their first post, or feel a sense of first belonging, then every kilometre travelled and every cup of tea was worth it.
Because sometimes, being “first” just means being the one who begins. 
Do you remember your first in-person meetup with a Local Guides community member? Share it in the comment 
I lost my Maps pin a few months ago, but the memory stays close to my heart ↩︎
The first step is always the start of an exciting journey, LG10 looks amazing!