MUMBAI INDIA #GAAD PHYSICAL (OFFLINE) MEET UP - TOGETHER for Accessibility and Awareness

@bhayani_naitik @MayuriKubal @Shrut19 @Sagarkanherkar @Rohan10 and @Anil6969 from right to left in pic above.

Yes We Local guide were Together for Accessibility & Inclusion awareness :globe_showing_europe_africa::wheelchair_symbol:

The Mumbai Offline #GAAD Meetup held on 21st May 2026,

The #GAAD OFF LINE SESSION credit lg Naitik

this was a wonderful example of how Local Guides can come together with a shared purpose and create meaningful impact through collaboration, conversations, and community contributions.

Local Guides from across Mumbai gathered at Oberoi Realty Mall for a special #GAAD physical meetup focused on accessibility mapping and awareness. The meetup centered around understanding existing accessibility features,

The Accessibility feature in the parking :p_button: for wheelchair :wheelchair_symbol: reserved

identifying areas for improvement, and updating Google Maps with relevant accessibility information to make the location more inclusive and useful for everyone.

@JitendraKumarPrasad was the first to reach the venue

Like many Local Guide driven initiatives, the day began with a few unexpected challenges due to venue permission issues. For a while, it seemed uncertain whether the planned activities would proceed smoothly.

However, thanks to the teamwork, patience, and quick coordination between the mall’s Marketing Department, Security Team, and Local Guide members, everything was resolved just in time before the online meetup session began.

What made the meetup especially meaningful was the spirit of collaboration throughout the day. Even after the online session ended, offline discussions continued enthusiastically among the participants.

The accessibility option for blind person in the lift (brail) pic by me.

Mumbai Local Guides exchanged ideas on how accessibility contributions on Google Maps can create real world impact and how communities can encourage more inclusive spaces through meaningful mapping efforts.

Discussions covered important topics such as ramps, lifts, wheelchair accessibility, navigation challenges, senior citizen friendly infrastructure, and the importance of accurate accessibility information for people with different mobility and accessibility needs.

It was truly inspiring to see everyone openly sharing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas with such passion and positivity.

Initiatives like #GAAD become meaningful because of passionate Local Guides who contribute their voice, time, and energy toward creating awareness and inspiring action. Seeing this enthusiasm reminded us that:

Awareness + Action = Real Change

After an intense yet fulfilling day of activities and discussions, the meetup concluded with relaxed team bonding over pizza, soft drinks, and finally a memorable “Chai Pe Charcha :hot_beverage:”.

Conversations continued about what went well, what could be improved, and how we can make future accessibility initiatives even more impactful.

This #GAAD Meetup reminded us that accessibility is not just a feature to document this is a responsibility that communities can collectively support through awareness, action, and consistent contributions as well.

“Together Everyone Achieves More” is not just a phrase; it truly reflects the spirit of #GAAD.

As we continue this #GAAD MAY 2026 journey over the next 30 days, let’s keep taking small but impactful steps together:

:white_check_mark: Let’s Keep the conversations and contributions going
:white_check_mark: We should Ask questions and explore accessibility
:white_check_mark: Let’s Build understanding and spread awareness together
:white_check_mark: Let’s Learn more and help others learn too
:white_check_mark: We must Take action to make digital and physical spaces more inclusive for everyone

We are also happy to see that even the Government of India is actively promoting the vision of GAAD this year and encouraging corporates to implement accessibility initiatives across the country.

The Govt of india press release - Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau

It is because of community members like you all .

that this movement grows stronger every year.

The #GAAD meet up venue link Google Maps

I really would like to thanks personally @Shrut19 @Globe_trotter_Ish @curatorofmemory @TravellerG @RosyKohli @TusharSuradkar @AjitThite @Kumaarsantosh @KashifMisidia bhai for their support :folded_hands:.

Looking forward to continuing this journey together and building a more inclusive world for all. :globe_showing_europe_africa::wheelchair_symbol:

TODAY TOMORROW and FOREVER

Finally the railway station Borivali station accessible :wheelchair_symbol: option for wheelchair :wheelchair_symbol: ramp check :white_check_mark: done :+1:

Recap link of the #GAAD Virtual meetup on the 21st May

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t/recap-virtual-india-may-21-gaad-day-celebration/519485?u=anil6969

#TogetherEveryoneAchievesMore

#GAAD

41 Likes

Wonderful initiative and a truly meaningful meet-up focused on accessibility awareness! :clap: @Anil6969

Your efforts towards spreading awareness and encouraging contributions for #MapsForAll are highly appreciated. Wishing you all continued success with more such accessibility-focused initiatives in the future. :globe_showing_europe_africa::wheelchair_symbol:

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Thanks @NareshDarji bhai.

The appreciation from Accessibility-Champion like you means a lot for #GAAD initiative.

Believe that inspires us to work for the community more sincerely.

Thanks once again.

Keep inspiring.

Regards

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Nice initiative, @Anil6969. The meet-up focused on a highly relevant and much-needed topic around accessibility.

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Wonderful, dear @Anil6969
Congratulations for successfully hosting and completing the Meet-up.
Very well conceived and presented RECAP.
We all really enjoyed the virtual part.
Thanks for tagging me.
Special regards to all those who attended physically.
Best regards

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@Anil6969 . Thanks for this valuable and information packed post. It shows how small steps can make a sustainable difference. It also shows how you could successfully bring together the community to organize such a wonderful meetup. The journey should continue now

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Thanks for your kind appreciation for #GAAD efforts @Kumaarsantosh ji.

Yes it’s Team efforts I can’t drive alone.

Keep inspiring.

Regards

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Thanks @curatorofmemory bro .

Your input cannot be ignored for achieving this milestone of #GAAD .

YES THE JOURNEY MUST CONTINUE.

Regards

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Thanks for appreciation @TravellerG . really appreciate your cooperation for making #GAAD An initiative to continue.

Thanks for helping in banner fine tune.

Keep inspiring.

Regards

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Wonderful initiative @Anil6969 bhai​:blush:.

Wishing you all a successful GAAD meetup. Thank you for spreading accessibility awareness and bringing the community together. :raising_hands::wheelchair_symbol:

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Kudos to you @Anil6969 ji for organizing this impactful offline meet-up focused on GAAD. Loved reading through the recap and how the Realty Mall was checked for accessibility features. Thanks for sharing

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Thanks :folded_hands: @Ssiddharth2000 :100: with team we are able to make this offline #GAAD grassroot level .

However same date VIRTUAL #GAAD Celebration :tada: :sparkler: hope you got the link but that’s in seprate post @ShreyaMusings had attended that.

Regards

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Yes @Np45-Nirav bhai.

Thanks for your appreciation for #GAAD MUMBAI.

We have to spread awareness together.

Regards

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Hey @Anil6969

It was indeed an amazing day well spent. Full of knowledgeable insights, thoughtful discussions around accessibility, lots of local guiding and yummy food with candid conversations :heart_hands::sparkles: Looking forward to many more experiences.

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नमस्कार
@Anil6969
मिट अप इन्व्हाईट के लिये धन्यवाद :folded_hands:
बहोत जानकारी मिली आपसे GAAD के बारेमे उसके लिये भी धन्यवाद, बहोत दिनो बाद सभी मुंबईकर अटेंडिज को मिलकर भी अच्छा लगा, आप के पहिले मिट अप कि सफलता के लिये अभिनंदन :bouquet:

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Thanks @MayuriKubal for accepting my invitation for #GAAD MUMBAI MEET UP and believe me your contribution make it more impactful.

Keep contributing.

Regards

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Thanks @Shrut19 :100: it’s all of us who make or break the community.

So far #GAAD MUMBAI meet up issue concern the credit goes to you all to make it successful and contributing.

I really appreciate your patience for staying even after #GAAD VIRTUAL MEET UP till late evening.

I really enjoyed the valuable interaction specially the query section of #accesiblity .

Let’s spread it further.

Regards.

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@Anil6969, what a great initiative and great efforts, Sir, and everyone associated with such a great thought and process. Some efforts flow and cannot be explained or appreciated in words. God bless you all with great strength and power for such great initiatives! Kudos to everyone! Keep Rocking!

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You are always welcome, dear @Anil6969
Regards
:folded_hands:

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Thanks @AnubhaBangia ji .

For appreciating the efforts of #GAAD I don’t have word.. however wish that could spread and adopted for the inclusive world for all of us.

Keep contributing even by awareness too

Regards

1 Like