As we continue to celebrate diversity, community & belonging in this Pride Month 
, our journey moves forward with incredible momentum. Creating a world that is genuinely safe, welcoming & accessible requires continuous effort, and today, we are turning our spotlight toward another remarkable voice who is actively transforming how we connect with our surroundings and each other.
For this Pride with Local Guides 
, we are honouring a local guide who beautifully demonstrates that mapping isn’t just about collecting points - it is also about mapping with inclusivity and building community bridges.
Meet Manish Kumar Sah
@Manishhh, a Level 
Local Guide based in New Delhi, India 
, is a dedicated contributor who balances a professional life in Gurugram with a profound passion for community impact. With over 200k+ points 
and 1,000+ reviews 
on Google Maps, he is actively involved in mapping and adding roads to improve navigation for everyone. His commitment goes far beyond the numbers; he focuses on bridging the gap between digital maps and the physical reality on the ground to ensure everyone can navigate the world with confidence.
A breathtaking view of the serene Hatu Mata Temple
, perched majestically at the summit of Hatu Peak 
near Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh, India. Captured by Manish.
Manish also showcases his diverse interests and unwavering dedication to the community. His contributions range from advocating for accessibility 
and sharing valuable tips 
to celebrating milestones like reaching 15,000+ reactions 
. He is deeply passionate about sharing culture 
and highlighting inclusive places 
that make a genuine difference in the lives of others.
A glimpse into the stunning, snow-dusted landscape of Chitkul village
, located in the Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh, India. Captured by Manish.
Furthermore, his active engagement is evident through a wide array of initiatives, such as mapping inclusive spaces and conducting clean-up meetups 
for better future. Whether he is participating in a heritage walk 
, leading his Walk With Pride or exploring nature 
to find peace, Manish continuously strives to foster a more welcoming and connected world for everyone.
Let’s get to know more about on how Manish contributes on Google Maps:
- What inspired you to become a Local Guide and how do you think your contributions have been inclusively contributing to the community
?
Answer: What started as a passion for travel has become a mission. Great food and beautiful views mean little if they aren’t accessible to everyone. His focus is on bridging that gap by providing practical, on-the-ground details rather than just surface-level reviews . To help people navigate the world confidently, his contributions emphasize essential information like accessibility and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, which he personally verify through direct conversations with venue managers.
- As a Pride March organizer, how do you use Google Maps to help people find safe and welcoming spaces ?
Answer: Every year, Manish & his team organizes an annual fundraiser, typically hosted at a local pub or restaurant. To guarantee that the venue is a genuinely safe & welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, he conducts proactive site visits by using Google Maps. During these visits, he assesses whether the staff is properly sensitized to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. If the team finds it necessary, they steps in to conduct inclusivity training sessions with the venue’s staff to ensure a supportive environment for all attendees.
- Organizing a massive event like a Pride March takes immense planning. How does your experience navigating and mapping physical spaces as a Local Guide help you when planning the route for the march ?
Answer: Being a Local Guide to Manish doesn’t mean “just look at a digital map”; he understands the physical reality on the ground. When planning a Pride route, a map might show a straightforward path, but his experience tells him to look for the missing details. He knows to look out for unexpected road closures 
, the actual width of the streets & crucial accessibility features like curb ramps and smooth terrain. Because he is used to putting in heavy daily mileage to scout locations and map missing infrastructure, he physically walks the potential routes beforehand. This allows him to cross-reference the Google Maps with the real world, ensuring the final path is safe, seamlessly navigable & truly inclusive for every single person marching.
- When you think of an absolute favourite inclusive spot in your city, where is it, and what makes the atmosphere there feel genuinely safe and welcoming
?
Local Guides at Jugmug Thela cafe with from left to right: @Nomad_Enkay, @deepakjhic, @Hemendu, @Manishhh, @Ssiddharth2000, @ShreyaMusings & @SharmaK.
Answer: Jugmug Thela in New Delhi, India, treats inclusivity as an everyday standard rather than a special event. Designed to be a quiet, personal, and judgment-free haven, it offers a rare, relaxed alternative to high-energy clubs. It’s cozy wooden interiors 
, outdoor seating 
& soft lighting 
make it a perfect spot for comfortable, everyday connections over a cup of coffee or chai. Manish and a group of Local Guides recently visited this inclusive space to map the experience and engage with the community, reinforcing the café’s experience as a genuinely safe and welcoming space for everyone.
- For many people, finding an inclusive space is a matter of safety and comfort. What is one simple thing a Local Guide can include in their daily contributions to help the LGBTQIA+ community find safe spaces?
Answer: The simplest and most impactful thing a Local Guide can do is dedicate just one sentence in their written review to inclusivity. Adding a line like, "The management and staff are highly sensitized and genuinely welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community”, instantly transforms a standard restaurant or venue review into a beacon of safety. By making this a necessary part of our personal review checklist, we completely take the guesswork and anxiety out of finding safe spaces.
Thank you, Manish Kumar Sah, 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 Manish, may we all continue to champion the spirit of diversity, inclusivity & community in everything we do. Happy Pride Month .
.
Organizing the Pride March and our meetups has been incredible, and your support over the past year has been a huge part of that, thank you for everything:)