This Pride Month 
, as we reflect on the profound power of community and the vital importance of making the world a more welcoming, safe & accessible place for everyone, I am thrilled to launch a new spotlight series dedicated to the incredible individuals who are shaping a more inclusive future.
Our focus begins by honoring the Local Guides who are leading the way, those who go above and beyond to advocate for accessibility, inclusivity and belonging, both on Google Maps and across our vibrant Connect community.
In our journey as Local Guides, we often talk about the “places” we map, but today, let’s honor local guides who make those places truly shine. Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it is the heartbeat of Google Maps. By sharing our unique perspectives and looking out for one another, we ensure that every corner of the world feels open and welcoming to all.
Meet Ajit
@AjitThite, a level 
Local Guide from Pune, India who is a content designer, artist & dedicated contributor on Google Maps. He has spent years transforming how we explore our surroundings by consistently striving to help others navigate their world with confidence and comfort through detailed reviews 
, helpful contributions 
& community meetup series. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity, sustainability & supporting local businesses, he embodies the collaborative spirit that drives our community forward. On Connect, he frequently shares stories that celebrate small businesses 
, inclusive spirits 
, local culture 
& the hidden stories of our historical landmarks 
, while also actively organizing meetups 
focused on accessibility 
and sustainability 
& mentoring newer contributors to help them find their own path in mapping.
Let’s get to know more about on how Ajit contributes on Google Maps:
- When introducing a fellow Local Guide to a spot, what is the first thing you point out to demonstrate inclusivity ?
Answer: He explained that he looked for whether people of all ages, genders & abilities could experience the place comfortably. He considered practical details: wheelchair-friendly entrances , accessible washrooms 
, clear pathways 
& family-friendly seating 
. But beyond physical traits, he paid attention to the gender-neutral approach from staff, safety for solo visitors, and whether the space felt genuinely welcoming 
. He realized that sometimes, a warm, patient greeting mattered just as much as a ramp.
- Why is it vital for Local Guides to consistently add these inclusive attributes to Google Maps
?
Answer: He believed that accessibility information could make all the difference to someone’s experience before they have even left home. For senior citizens 
, wheelchair users , parents with strollers 
or travellers with anxiety, he saw this not as “extra information” but as a vital tool for making sensible decisions. When they added these attributes, he knew they helped reduce uncertainty & take the stress out of exploration. He felt that Google Maps was not just a navigation tool; it was about making people feel part of the world around them.
- If you had to pick one favorite place that captures your spirit; combining warmth, accessibility, and a welcoming vibe - Where would it be
?
Answer: He shared that the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is a place that truly captures his spirit, a sentiment he further explored in his post on A Relaxing Time at MAP. He felt it was special because of its thoughtful combination of culture 
, accessibility , learning 
& human connection . He noted that it wasn’t intimidating or exclusive, and that it made everyone feel included - whether they were an art lover 
, a student 
, a senior citizen 
or just a curious local guide . He loved the approachable design, the peaceful vibe & how they used digital experiences and community programs to make art welcoming to all.
- During major events like festivals , what are the biggest challenges in mapping inside a market & how can we overcome them
?
Answer: He explained that the main difficulty was that conditions changed rapidly - temporary road closures 
, shifting parking 
& changing crowd flows were often poorly communicated. He believed the answer was better community collaboration in real-time. He suggested that they could use the “Updates by Visitors” tab in Google Maps to showcase temporary additions, send photo updates of entrances & clearly mark festival-specific 
hours. He concluded that festivals were a great example of community participation & mapping them should be a shared effort.
- What is the absolute best first step for a Local Guide who wants to start focusing on inclusivity ?
Answer: He suggested starting with one small habit: observing places through someone else’s eyes. Before going, he advised asking:
- Is there comfortable wheelchair access ?
- Is there easy parking
? - Are toilets available
? - Does it feel safe and respectful for different types of visitors ?
He noted that you don’t have to document everything at once. He emphasized that even adding one meaningful, inclusive detail to each review created a long-term impact, as consistency was more important than perfection.
Thank you, Ajit, for your continued dedication to making our communities more open, accessible & inclusive for everyone. Let’s keep building a world that welcomes us all, one edit at a time.
Like Ajit, may we all continue to champion kindness and accessibility in everything we do. Happy Pride Month .
.
…
within the Indian community,always ready to guide, motivate, and uplift newcomers.
.