The Start of It All
Embracing the Unexpected: My Journey Through the World of Tech
When high school ended, like countless others, I harbored certain dreams I believed that only through such accomplishments could I truly excel and achieve my aspirations. However, life had other plans, and my journey veered onto an unexpectedly rewarding path.
Discovering My Passion Locally
The aforementioned setback steered me towards an equally fulfilling educational experience. It was here, amidst modest beginnings, that I found my true calling.
In September 2016, two months into my freshman year, our alumni organized a workshop that introduced us to Python, Linux, and the Kivy framework for developing Natural User Interfaces. This event wasn't just about coding; it was a gateway to the broader open-source community and a dormant tech club at our university, known as ALiAS. This club, they shared, was pivotal in their professional success and eventually was mine as well after I set on a journey to revive it which I have written about in the ALiAS section.
A Lesson in Community and Open Source
The hands-on session in Linux and Python wasn't just about learning new tools—it was about understanding the ethos of giving back and collaborating.
I realized that Computer Science was more than mundane coding; it was about exploration, innovation, and community.
The stories from our alumni during the workshop weren't just inspiring; they answered a deep-seated question I'd often pondered during uninspiring high school computer classes: "Is this all there is to Computer Science?" The answer, resoundingly, was no.
Expanding My Horizons
Inspired, I sought out more experiences. I attended the first meetup of ILUG-Delhi and soon after, joined sessions with PyDelhi and LinuxChix India. These groups introduced me to a network of experienced tech enthusiasts who were always ready to lend a hand or share knowledge. The core of these meetups—diverse tech talks—opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within the tech industry.
My Journey in Open Source
I was particularly drawn to the open-source community, where I could contribute to projects that aligned with my interests and values. My contributions to Pandas and LinuxChix India are a testament to my commitment to the open-source ethos. I have detailed my contributions in the Open Source Software section.
I have also volunteered to organise and speak at various tech meetups and conferences, including PyCon India, PyDelhi, and ILUG-Delhi. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but also helped me build a strong network of like-minded individuals. I have listed some of these talks in the Press section.
One of the memorable events I organised was a hacking fest in LinuxChix India, where we removed the core Linux OS features from our systems and went on to fix them without the internet. It's a great memory, especially in the current times of the internet and LLMs being a ubiquitous resource.
Recognizing My 'Luck'
At each event, people would often remark, "Oh, how lucky you are!" to have discovered these groups so early in my career. While I appreciate their sentiment, I believe my 'luck' isn't merely coincidental. It's the result of my efforts to seize every learning opportunity, driven by a genuine passion for technology.
The True Meaning of Luck
This journey has taught me that luck in tech, or in any field, isn't about serendipity. It's about hard work, community engagement, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Each step in this journey, from attending workshops to contributing to tech meetups, has reinforced my belief that when you love what you do, the right opportunities will follow.
Looking Ahead
I am now looking forward to start my own community in San Francisco with like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm for technology and community, and with whom I can explore new technologies, tackle projects, and enjoy the profound satisfaction of giving back.
Final Thoughts
To anyone embarking on their tech journey, remember that your path might not always align with your initial plans. Embrace it. Sometimes, the unexpected routes are the most enriching ones. Indeed, I am lucky, not just in being in the right place at the right time, but in choosing to dive deeply into the opportunities presented to me.