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Dear Local Guides Community,
As we celebrate 10 amazing years of Connect, I have nothing but gratitude for this platform and fellow LGs with whom I have shared some of the best moments in my life. Connect has truly been a masterclass in global cultures, photography, and discovering hidden gems around the world. Beyond the screen, the absolute highlight has been the meetups. Whether we were laughing together during virtual calls across time zones or exploring Delhi side-by-side during in-person photo walks, the energy and bond we share are unmatched.
Through this post, I hope to do justice and share my amazing journey on Google Maps and on Connect Platform.
Google Maps Contribution Journey
How a Single Dish Started a 10-Year Journey
My journey on Google Maps started with a photo of a dish made of chicken I had taken back in Feb 2017 during my stay in Hyderabad. The main reason was that particular restaurant had newly opened and I was impressed by the taste and portion size of the dish.
Most Viewed Media
I am happy to share that my most viewed (2,57,317 views) media is actually a short video of a historical place, called Lal Kot Kila. I wanted to show the beautiful views we get to see from the top of that structure.
A rewarding journey on Connect
I joined Connect on 15th Oct 2019, stepping onto the platform felt like entering a bustling town square where map lovers from around the globe gathered to share their stories.
My first post, though came almost after 5 years, where I had written about a unique Art Cafe in Delhi
TRAC Journey - Where adding roads meant more than just earning points
While attending an in-person meetup - Exploring Pride Station hosted by @Kumaarsantosh He introduced me to adding roads, and how it impacts millions of Maps Users and the best practices to keep in mind while adding roads. I will be forever grateful to you @Kumaarsantosh
Through him, I also got to know about the engaging TRAC Campaign led by @SholaIB and it got me hooked to adding roads to make a difference.
Attending my first meet-up
My first experience of attending an in-person Meetup was the one hosted by @PrinceKumar, at the iconic Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, where I had the honor to meet experienced LGs like @NareshDarji and @Anil6969. That was also the first time I met @Manishhh who has now become my partner-in-crime when we explore Delhi’s lost and hidden heritage. The helpful and welcoming nature of the LGs and the knowledge I gained during that meet-up was inspirational.
Hosting my first meet-up
I hosted my first ever meet-up on July 7th 2025, coincidentally to celebrate Connect’s 9th anniversary, at the historical Najaf Khan’s tomb, and since then the caravan to host and attend meet-ups have been an amazing experience.
Behind the Scenes: My Favorite Meetup Moments
While all the meet-ups I attended and hosted have a special place in my heart, there are 2 meet-ups which will remain very special to me.
Delhi Mega Meet-Up hosted by @ShreyaMusings - It was a surreal experience, from being a part of the organizing team to interacting with many LGs from across the country. I was honored to meet senior LGs @TusharSuradkar and @TravellerG sir and @shaileno and many more awesome group of people. And the best part was the special guest @Latika_Malhotra graciously attending the event.
Bangalore Mega Meet-Up hosted by the one and only @TravellerG Sir. I travelled all the way to Bangalore to co-host this meet-up and it was indeed a life changing experience for me. I met @SarathUpendran @Rahul001 @Sagarkanherkar @RosyKohli maam @ShubhamWaman @PrasadVR and many many others for the first time. It was incredible to finally meet in-person all those LGs whose contributions I have always appreciated. But the person I was most excited to meet was @AjitThite dada, and it was indeed inspiring to learn so many things from him.
Delhi-NCR Local Guides - A bond beyond Connect
The best part of joining Connect was the bonding and collaboration I made with the fellow local guides from Delhi NCR
I will be forever grateful for the support and guidance received from each and everyone in this group
@Kumaarsantosh @ShreyaMusings @SharmaKK @Manishhh @Hemendu @deepakjhic @SonamW @Shalz @Nomad_Enkay @delhifundos @Rajan @Gvipin @The_GauravS @curatorofmemory @Vandana_shines @Ruchee This caravan would not have been possible without all of your guidance.
A special mention to @KashifMisidia bhai, a like-minded heritage lover from Pakistan whose meet-ups and posts I always look forward to.
I might have missed mentioning many other LGs who I interacted with, but am truly grateful to have learnt from you all.
This celebratory post is in reference to the initiative by @NareshDarji’s #MyConnectCaravan
and @ErmesT fabulous initiative ( 🔟 #LGConnectTurns10: Celebrating 10 Years in our Global Village!
