Grace Hopper Celebration India, 2024
An Experience to Remember!
Day 0 (Nov 20, 2024):
The journey to GHCI 2024 began with a refreshing change — from AQI 450 to the pleasant air of Bangalore. Landing just in time for the Partner Dinner, I was thrilled to meet fellow speakers and partners. The evening sparkled with an engaging fireside chat featuring Brenda Darden Wilkerson(President and CEO of AnitaB.org) and Shreya Krishnan (Managing Director of AnitaB.org India), followed by a mesmerizing performance by Veena Vishwanath and her team. A perfect start to the conference!
Sharing some photos from Day 0 (Partner Dinner):
You can also watch some snippets of LIVE performance by Veena Vishwanath here.
Day 1 (Nov 21, 2024):
Walking past the long queues with my badge (GHCI Jury) was a humbling moment, a reminder that hard work and commitment to the community truly pay off. The opening event set the tone with the GHCI anthem and electrifying energy that reverberated through the room.
The sessions were a treasure trove of insights, featuring plenary talks by industry leaders, carefully curated tracks, and impactful panel discussions. Lightning talks and keynotes added more flavor to the experience. It was worth visiting the Art Nook and painting a glass bottle — a serene and creative detour from the hustle (photo below).
The Unconference area buzzed with thought-provoking discussions, while lunch conversations with speakers provided incredible networking opportunities. And how could I forget Karthik Kumar’s hilarious comedy act? His “Sambar stories” and sharp humor about societal norms had the audience in stitches. One that I can remember: “Boys quit smoking because it’s injurious to health; girls keep smoking because it’s better to die of cancer than bear the burden of patriarchy.” 😆
By 8:30 PM, I was back, tired but inspired, ready to recharge for another enriching day.
Adding some photos from Day 1:
Day 2 (Nov 22, 2024):
Day 2 at GHCI 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiration and groundbreaking ideas. The sessions covered a blend of cutting-edge topics, starting with talks on AI/ML and how technology can drive social good. One initiative that stood out was DURGA, designed to combat violence against women. The concept — a systemic approach akin to how e-challans seamlessly land in our inboxes — was a stark reminder of how much better we can do to safeguard women by building a robust ecosystem.
Sustainability took center stage in the Green Software discussions, emphasizing the role of technology in protecting the planet. The executive track offered deep insights, and the panel discussions on pay parity provided actionable takeaways for fostering equity in the workplace.
One highlight was the session with Bhumi Pednekar, who shared her inspiring journey of breaking glass ceilings, proving yet again that resilience and grit can shatter societal barriers.
And then came Papa CJ, delivering laughter wrapped in wisdom. The story that stuck with me: “When a movie director was questioned about spending 25,000 INR on shoes for the lead actor, being told it could have been done for less, the director responded, ‘When my lead actor will know that these shoes cost 25k, the way he’ll walk wearing them, with that attitude, that’s what I want to capture!’ His talk was a quirky reminder of life’s misplaced priorities — a session that left us introspective yet thoroughly entertained.”
The day ended on an unforgettable high with a phenomenal cultural showcase. Carlton Braganza, Sushant Divgikar, and the legendary Usha Uthup lit up the stage with their performances, spreading energy and positivity that resonated with every attendee. The vibe was infectious, and the experience was nothing short of magical.
Sharing some photos from Day 2:
As I headed back to Delhi the next day, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and grateful. GHCI 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was a celebration of innovation, empowerment, and community. Here’s to carrying this energy forward and making a difference every step of the way!
Thanks you for reading! If you just scrolled through the photos, go back and read the mentioned stories by Kartik Kumar and Papa CJ for a quick laugh!😆
Note: All my writings before this one were purely Anisha-powered, but this one has a touch of AI influence! ;)
