Community Voices: Testimonials of Collaboration
The India Local Guides Community continues to thrive because of the spirit of support, learning, and togetherness shared by its members. Testimonials beautifully capture this essence.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Local Guides Community of India by @AjitThite
We are truly proud of our senior community member, Ajit ji, who recently underwent bypass surgery and returned to Connect in such a short period. He even wrote reviews of the hospital and his doctor’s clinic, and added the links in this post.
1. Thank you note by Supriya Devkar @Supriyadevkar
Ajit Thite (@AjitThite) – Level 9 Local Guide, Pune, Maharashtra
Ajit Thite is a passionate Local Guide from Pune who consistently supports and uplifts local businesses. A five-time Connect Challenge winner, he is known for his sweet nature, positive attitude, and ability to bring people together. He actively shares valuable Google Maps tips with new users and is always ready to help anyone facing challenges. His dedication remains steady regardless of age or time. What inspires me most is his continuous effort to promote small local businesses—because supporting the enterprises around us ultimately strengthens our community as a whole.
2. Gratitude by Mohita @ShreyaMusings
I want to acknowledge several Local Guides from Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—Siddharth, Manish, Sonam, Enkay, Vipin ji, you (Krishna ji), Shruti @Shrut19, Rosy @RosyKohli ma’am, Ajit Thite, Naresh Darji, Ketan Chinnariya @KetanChhaniyara, and many more.
Since the time I became active on Connect, each of them has guided, nurtured, and cared for me like family. Their advice has helped me improve on Connect and grow as a human being.
Please forgive me if I missed any names—every Local Guide who interacted with me has taught me something valuable. Whether it was Tushar ji or TravellerG, I continue to learn from everyone, slowly yet consistently.Thank you to every community member for being so supportive.
3. Acknowledgements by Siddharth
To Ajit Dada
Dear Ajit dada,
Thank you for being such an inspiring mentor. Your guidance on promoting local businesses and adding places effectively on Google Maps has broadened my perspective in many ways. Beyond technical knowledge, your humility and kindness make the journey even more enriching.
Thank you for your patience, support, and for always helping with a smile.
To K.K. Sharma
KK Sharma, your dedication is truly admirable. From our first meeting at Connaught Place to our last at the airport, you have consistently guided me on Google Maps and the Connect platform. Your readiness to help—no matter the hour—makes you a dependable mentor and friend. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so generously!
To TravellerG Sir
TravellerG sir, you are more than a senior Local Guide—you are a mentor and father figure. Your wisdom, guidance, and proactive feedback have helped countless Local Guides improve their posts, photos, and overall contributions. Your selfless leadership continues to inspire us all. Thank you for always being there.
To Kumar Santosh @Kumaarsantosh
Kumar Santosh, your experience and unique coaching style shine through in every interaction. From reading your posts to meeting you in person, your practical insights and relatable advice help us all grow. Thank you for being a mentor who truly connects content to understanding.
To Vipin Ji @Gvipin
Vipin ji, thank you for being a supportive and trusted friend. Your encouragement during in-person meetups and your impressive photography—especially 360 photography—add immense value to our experiences. I am grateful for your friendship and knowledge.
To Manish
Manish, you are brilliant behind the camera and an equally wonderful person. Your passion for improving society and love for history resonate deeply with many of us. It’s a joy to share this interest with you. Keep inspiring us with your work!
To Sonam @SonamW
Sonam, your positive presence and travel knowledge make you a pillar of our Delhi meetups. Always enthusiastic and ready to help, you bring warmth and energy to every event. Thank you for being such a supportive friend.
To Enkay
Enkay, you are a gifted photographer and a dependable friend. Your eagerness to learn, explore, and contribute makes every collaboration enjoyable. Thank you for always being ready to help.
To Hemendu Ji @Hemendu
Hemendu ji, your kind nature and deep historical knowledge enrich every meetup. Your willingness to share insights makes our explorations far more meaningful. Thank you for your valuable presence.
To Shreya
Shreya, you are my constant companion and partner in exploration! Your enthusiasm for discovering places and uncovering their history makes every outing memorable. Thank you for your unwavering support.
To Tushar
Tushar, while you are a respected Connect Moderator, I appreciate you equally as a friend and guide. Your thoughtful suggestions help all of us improve our contributions. Thank you for your continuous support and leadership.
4. Message by Ruchee @Ruchee2
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to @TusharSuradkar sir for guiding me throughout my journey on Connect. No matter how many questions I asked—big or small—he always responded patiently and kindly. He has been my favourite since the very beginning.
I am also grateful to all other Local Guides and Moderators who have supported me. Thank you for helping me grow within this wonderful community.
5. Appreciation by Enkay Tripathi
I would like to acknowledge Manish Kumar (LG @Manishhh) for his tremendous contribution to the Local Guides community. He constantly introduces new initiatives, motivates newcomers, and supports Delhi LGs whenever needed.He is humble, kind, and deeply knowledgeable about history—especially during visits to unique and lesser-known places around Delhi.On a personal note, he deeply encouraged me by gifting his Google Maps cap during my very first community meetup. That gesture inspired me to stay active and continue contributing.Thank you, Manish, for all that you do for the Delhi Local Guides family!
India Local Guides Spotlight Posts:
Day-1 24 November @TravellerG and @Rahul001 are formally introducing #TeamIndiaSpotlightCommunity and sharing the week long plan. It can be read here
Day-2 25 November. We have three posts highlighting the country’s diversity
@Gurukrishnapriya post on India - a country of destinations can be read [here]
(India - a country of destinations (part one))
@MerlinThomas and @ShreyaMusings post on India - A Country of Museums can be read here
@Ankitsrivastava post on Chikankari and Silver Chapal – Global Symbols of Indian Craftsmanship can be read here
Day-3 26 November. We have three posts on a variety of topics
@Shalz and @Ruchee2 write about India’s diverse food palate- A Journey through flavours which can be read here
@Ssiddharth2000 and @Gvipin write about Indian LG Community- Meetups and Celebrations which can be read here
In the final post of the day, I write about the most secular street of the world. It can be read here
Day-4 27 November. We have three posts that cover unique aspects of India and #TeamIndia members
@nish_25 and @SYED_BKSC writen about Unity in diversity- Exploring The Festivals of India which can be read here
@SarathUpendran @Rahul001 and @Roopesh collaborate to write about two Indian cities that are shining examples of Cities of Stories and Inclusions. Read it here
In the last post of the day @SharmaK writes on India LG community- A Story of Collaboration and Contributions which can be read here
Day-5 28 November. Today also we have three wonderful posts
In the first post of the day @TravellerG and @framesbysumedh write on Nature’s Paradise - The Wildlife of India - Zoos and Nature Parks which can be read here
In the second post of the day @SonamW and @Nomad_Enkay write about Celebrating Sikkim- The Second smallest Indian state which can be read here
In the last post of the day @Manishhh and @Ssiddharth2000 write about Indias City of Monuments- Delhi which can be read here
Day-6 29 November.
In the first post of the day @Supriyadevkar writes on Let’s celebrate Colours, Culture and Costumes - The Fashion of Incredible India which can be read here
In the Hybrid meet up of the day @Rahul001 and @SarathUpendran took us on a glorious tour of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - India’s Richest Temple and historic Chalai Street Market that surrounds it.