How WordPress Community Helps You: Scholarships, Grants & Support Programs

Out of nowhere, I heard whispers of WordCamp Pokhara (WCPokhara) 2025. And just like that, something stirred again. I had no plans—but this one felt like it had plans for me.

This marked my second international trip, right after WordCamp Asia, and what a ride it was! Hosted in the breathtaking lakeside city of Pokhara, Nepal—it didn’t feel like a formal event trip. It felt like a reunion of kindred spirits.

What Am I Doing Here?

Yes, that was literally the title of my talk.

As someone who calls herself a product of the WordPress community but ultimately I am an outsider in a community that’s primarily tech-driven, I felt a strong urge to voice that duality which comes both with its pros and cons. So when I had the privilege of being at both sides, why not support individuals who are in the midst too? My session was in the Macchapucchre hall at Pokhara Event Centre (remember the name till the end of this article!)*

I spoke about community, support, diversity, inclusion, and the unseen ways the community shapes us. It’s not just about us giving back—it’s also about acknowledging how much we’ve received. I also shared what we’ve been doing in the WordPress Bhopal community—because I believe growing a local community is directly tied to the broader mission of societal growth.

Many thanks to Yoast for generously supporting my journey to WCPokhara via its Yoast Diversity Fund.

Contributor Day — Where It Begins

Ever since I landed, I found myself looking for that sense of community everywhere but nah, not in my charts till the Camp. Day 1 kicked off with Contributor Day, buzzing with energy. I joined the Patterns team, and, like always, it felt grounding to sit across from passionate strangers-turned-collaborators and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. There also was a WordPress Basics workshop arranged, an energizing space for newcomers to begin their journey. Pretty thoughtful of the organisers in their scheme to build the next gen, it’s like acknowledging the younger population particularly and working for their need.

The numbers speak for themselves—678+ attendees, 35% women participation, and a speaker lineup filled mostly with women. We’re building a future that’s inclusive by default, and seeing it unfold in real-time was powerful.

What is worth mentioning? The students. So many of them! Curious minds, high on energy, and wide-eyed excitement. That is what community-building is—bridging the gap between where we are and where they want to go. WordPress gave us a platform; WordCamps like Pokhara make sure we pay it forward.

Faces Behind the Moments

WordPress events are rightly known for its networking opportunities, no doubt about it. Meeting Mumtahina Faguni and her lovely family, being introduced to Alina Kakshapati, crossing paths with Jyoti, Sapana, Prabeen, Regan, Utsav Dai, Ayush, Manjil, Sushant and so many more—each connection added a story to my journey. I clicked with Jyoti instantly, what started as a girls’ girl thing, led us to creating joyful nuisance as if we’d been best of friends for years— wonderwoman!

A long-overdue in-person meeting with Yam Chettri, who once mentored us at WP Bhopal, finally happened. And thanks to Subash Dai, I got a beautiful glimpse into his village and the landscapes beyond the Camp.

Everyone I met was so cordial, kind, and full of cheer, this is what makes WordPress more than software. It’s a movement.

Beyond the Camp

This was my first visit to Nepal, and I had the chance to explore both Kathmandu and Pokhara—each with its own flavour and stories.

We visited iconic places like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath, Fewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, and a very cloudy Sunrise Point in Pokhara (sadly, no sunrise or peek of the mountain, just dramatic clouds!). Special mention to their cars!

While Pashupatinath is a marvel in scale and significance, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed by its lack of upkeep. A site so historically rich and spiritually revered deserves more thoughtful maintenance. The contrast between its grandeur and the surrounding neglect was hard to ignore. It made me think about how we sometimes take our own heritage for granted, something I hope changes with time and awareness.

I also tried finding a Jain temple, there was only one in Kathmandu and none in Pokhara. I visited the one in Kathmandu during a layover, it was a two-storey building, housing both Digambar and Shwetambar shrines, one above the other. Simple, quiet, and tucked away.

Being a pure vegetarian, food was another small challenge. Compared to my experience in the Philippines, where chain restaurants were pretty thoughtful with food preferences, Nepal was trickier. For instance, I had to stop a server at my hotel from using the same tongs for non-veg and veg dishes, something that could easily go unnoticed. A small thing maybe, but for someone with my kind of dietary restrictions, it’s a big deal. My mum had insisted on packing some home-cooked food before the trip—and as always, mothers know best. Lesson learnt.

That said, we explored some great cafes too. My favourite was Pizza from Himalayan Java in Kathmandu. And next time, I‘m visit Utpala Café, run by monks. It’s on my wish list now.

When the Mountains Finally Whispered Hello

The mountains, I must say, were teasing us throughout the trip—playing hide and seek behind thick clouds and fog. We kept waiting, hoping, peeking out of windows and into skies, but Pokhara remained mostly overcast.

Then, just when we had almost given up—as we were leaving for the airport—there it was.

Annapurna. Machhapuchchhre.
Majestic. Serene. Suddenly visible like a blessing.

We spotted a glimpse from our hotel too and instantly went gaga—squealing like little kids seeing something we’d only heard about in stories. It felt like Pokhara had saved its most magical moment for the very end. A perfect, quiet farewell.

Why It Mattered

More than the schedule, the venue, or even the amazing sessions; WordCamps are about the people.

It’s the chai breaks, the impromptu laughter, the smiles exchanged between sessions that stay with you. The shared spirit of belonging. Pokhara reminded me of Bhopal in many ways, except for the mountains, of course.

This time, I wasn’t just carried by the community’s support, I felt ready to give back, to cheer others on, to help hold that space of warmth for someone else.

I didn’t go looking for a community this time. But by the end of it, I knew—I belong here.

Thank you, WordCamp Pokhara. You’ll always have a place in my heart.

Until we meet again. Lots of Maya!

I started my blogging journey almost a decade back with WordPress, and over time, I became part of the WordPress community. Since then, I’ve built at least five websites for different purposes, constantly learning along the way. What I realized, though, is that many people, even those already in the system, struggle with the basics. And that’s okay! I’ve been there too, but thankfully, I had people to support me. And I’d like to be one for you!

So if you’re from a non-tech background like me, or even if you’re tech-savvy but feeling stuck when it comes to building a portfolio website, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down into simple steps to get your WordPress site up and running with minimal fuss.

Let’s break it down into simple steps to get your WordPress site up and running with minimal fuss.

Before We Begin: Make sure you have your domain and hosting ready. Once that’s sorted and you’ve logged into your WordPress account, we’re all set to start building!

Go to the backend of your website by adding /wp-admin to your WordPress site URL. So, if your domain is example.com, go to example.com/wp-admin and log in.

Step 1: Install Essential Plugins

To make things easier, we’ll install some essential plugins. These will help speed up the process and make customization smoother.

• Starter Templates – Provides pre-designed layouts.
• Elementor – A drag-and-drop page builder for easy design.

I personally prefer the WordPress’ built-in Gutenberg editor, if you’d like to try your hands on it, you can skip Elementor for now.

• WP Forms – A simple form builder for contact forms.
• For SEO, Yoast & RankMath are top tiers, choose any.

To install them, go to Dashboard → look left-hand side Plugins → Add New, search for each plugin, then click Install Now → Activate. Done!

Step 2: Choose a Starter Template

Building from scratch is all cool, but let’s try using the available resources first (which are fantastic & cater a variety of requirements). We’d go with a Starter Template to speed things up.

1. Go to Appearance → Starter Templates.
2. Browse and choose a portfolio template that fits your style.
3. Click Import to bring it to your site.

Some great free templates: Astra, Bravada, Kalium. Always check the live preview before selecting one.

Step 3: Customize Your Template with Gutenberg

Now, let’s make this website truly yours!

1. Go to Pages → All Pages, find your homepage, and click Edit.
2. Use blocks to add or edit content:
   • Paragraph Block for text Image Block to upload pictures
   • Tip: Upload pictures first to the media library and then select from there. This saves space and keeps your site organized. Columns Block to create layouts
   • Tip: If you want to create a collage or display multiple images together, first add a column block, then insert 2–3 columns inside it and upload images. This simple hack makes it easier to align images, adjust background colors, and experiment with different layouts. Cover Block for stylish hero sections
3. Want to add a new section? Click the ‘+’ icon, choose a block, and start designing!
4. To add anchor links (e.g., ‘About’ or ‘Contact’), go to the Advanced settings of a block and enter a unique HTML anchor.
   • Tip: To add an anchor link for “About,” select the heading block, go to Advanced settings, and enter about-section in the HTML Anchor field. Then, link any button or text to #about-section, and clicking it will scroll to that section instantly!

Resources

Step 4: Add Key Features

A strong portfolio website isn’t just about design, it should showcase your work and make it easy to connect with you. Here’s what you need:

• About Page: Give an overview of who you are, what you’re looking for, and what visitors can expect from your website.
• Portfolio Section: Showcase your work with images, descriptions, or case studies.
• Services Section: List your services so visitors know exactly how you can help them.
• Client Testimonials: To add social proof, use the Testimonial block (from Essential Addons for Gutenberg) or a simple text block.
• Contact Form: Use WPForms to add a contact form in just a few clicks.
• Call to Action: Add a button block that links to your email, resume, or social media profiles.

Tip: When creating a services section, use icon blocks or columns to neatly display different offerings. This improves readability and keeps things visually appealing.

Tip: For testimonials, keep them short and impactful. If possible, add a small image of the client for credibility.

Step 5: Final Touches & Publishing

See the logo on this website’s tab? That’s called a favicon! Here’s how to add it, along with some final tweaks to your site’s branding.

I used frontend customization for all of the following. To do this, simply go to the uppermost layer on the dashboard, click Visit Site, and then hit Customize to start making changes. But if you’d prefer the backend way, follow these steps:

1. Adding a Logo & Website Icon (Favicon)

1. Go to Appearance → Customize → Site Identity.
2. Upload your logo and site icon (favicon).
3. Click Publish to save changes.
   A favicon is a small icon that appears in the browser tab beside your website name!

2. Editing Header & Footer

Header:

• Go to Appearance → Customize → Header (or Site Editor → Header if using a block theme).
• Edit your menu, logo, and header layout as needed.

Footer:

• Navigate to Appearance → Customize → Footer (or Site Editor → Footer).
• Add copyright text, social links, or a call-to-action.

If you’re using a block theme, you can edit both the header and footer directly in the Site Editor using blocks!

3. Click Preview to check for:

• Uniform font sizes and colors
• Buttons and links working properly
• Responsive design (looks good on mobile too!)

Once happy, click Publish!

Need to update something later? No worries! Just go back to the Dashboard → Edit → Update whenever you want.

Congrats, you just built a professional portfolio website using Gutenberg! I hope this guide helped simplify the process. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments. Happy designing!

I have attached a resources page above, curated by WordPress Bhopal, to cater for all needs related to your WordPress site. Also, to begin, you could always start with platforms like TasteWP or InstaWP.

Shantanu (a close ally of Ratan Tata) shared in I came across a lighthouse, how Parizaad, a senior employee of Mr Tata, often reminded him: “You now represent Mr. Tata’s office. This means you will now always be seen through that lens. Every move you make, every word you say, every favour you ask for will be a move, word and favour from the office of Mr Ratan Tata. Never abuse the power of this office, never request favours just because you sit here.“

This wisdom applies to any leader, how your team conducts itself is a direct reflection of you & your endevour.

Having led numerous teams and being part of even more, I’ve learnt a few bits and crannies the hard way. As exciting as it is to build your own team and work towards a cause, it can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a clear approach to fuel and drive engagement.

Read From Law School to Life: Lessons in Leadership & Growth

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of being surrounded by individuals who are better than you or possess the potential you seek cannot be overstated. Starting a business already shows that you’re willing to take bold steps and challenge the status quo. But that’s just the beginning. The real journey begins when you have a team by your side, a team that drives the vision forward pushes your thinking and supports you when things get tough.

As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” A startup embodies determination, unconventional thinking, and a desire to break the mould. But you can’t go far alone. Not doubting your capabilities, but making a point that having a strong team by your side can actually make a huge difference to thrive.

Let’s come to the question then- HOW to build a winning team culture?

Know the Goals

Not every team member’s goal will align perfectly with yours, and that’s okay! Some people are driven by personal development, others by gaining experience or financial growth. Embrace these differences because they foster diversity, creativity, and fresh perspectives. The key is to align individual ambitions with the company’s mission. When done right, these diverse goals contribute to one major objective: driving the company toward success!

Passion > Experience

Capital may be an issue for many startups, but passion is priceless. Believe in people who may lack experience but possess the hunger to learn. After all, isn’t that how you started? To follow the unconventional is a sign in itself. When you find people who resonate with your vision and values, their passion will fuel your company’s growth. Hire people who not only fit into the business but also connect with your deeper mission.

Communication and Trust are Non-Negotiable

Transparency and trust form the foundation of a winning team culture. Regular communication fosters collaboration, and when you trust your team, they become more invested in the business’s success.

• Share your WHY.

• Ask for feedback.
• Recognize wins, big or small.
• Give credit where it’s due.
• Encourage continuous learning.

A 2019 study by the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School revealed that happy employees are 13% more productive. A little recognition and praise go a long way in fostering positivity.

When we start labeling people as “employees” and “employers,” the sense of ownership fades. The goal is to democratize decision-making and promote inclusivity. Encourage a “we” mindset, engage the team in finding solutions and instill a culture of ownership and self-accountability. This is often called “assumed responsibility”, when people take charge not because they have to, but because they feel responsible.

The 70-Hour Debate: Take a breather!

The world is going all cranky about Mr Narayan Murthy’s statement about working 70 hours a week. But please remember, when he said, “Work 70 hours a week,” it wasn’t just about the hours, it was about passion and dedication. Passion fuels progress, and there’s no perfect work-life balance when you’re building something that excites you. He’s proof of that! Find what works for YOU.

Backend Is as Important

While the hustle is real, so is burnout. Your team’s well-being is just as critical as their output. If you want long-term success, prioritize mental health, both theirs and yours. A thriving team isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about sustainability.

Bottom Line

Building a strong, supportive, and passionate team will not only make or break your startup, it will define your journey. A winning team culture doesn’t happen by chance, it is built with intention.

A friend tells me:

If you don’t build a culture, a culture will build on its own—and chances are, you won’t like it.

So, take a moment to reflect: How are you fostering trust, passion, and alignment within your team? The journey starts with you.

–

A big thank you to Atharva Kulkarni for contributing his insights.

PC: Donald Clark from Openverse.

In this digital age, where every sunrise heralds a new advancement, your online presence isn’t just a reflection of yourself—it’s a proactive extension of your identity. So if you’re reading this, you’re one of the 820 million Indians active on the Internet today. Your digital footprint is a vital part of your existence, and safeguarding it is paramount to preserving your dignity, autonomy, and liberty. This makes the topic of discussion about your fundamental rights- your right to life & personal liberty.

However recent findings by Tenable, a cybersecurity company based in the US, stated that India suffered from the second-most tech exposure breaches in 2022 with around 450 million records compromised. Indian organizations, according to it, cannot even prevent 42% of cyberattacks. This takes us to an urgent requirement to address privacy infringements.

Early 2023 saw the Indian government allocating INR 600 Crore in its budget to enhance cybersecurity. It’s the same year, that India joined the club of countries which have brought legislation against digital data protection. The Digital Personal Data Protection (‘DPDP’ hereinafter) Act is India’s first regulation on lines of digital personal data privacy. While the government announced that the rules (DPDP Rules) regarding compliance will be notified only after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this development has been eagerly awaited in a nation boasting the world’s third most favourable startup ecosystem, and housing nearly 18% of the global population.

For a country that has long been a hub for innovation and technological advancement, addressing issues like data privacy infringement, data mining, and data scraping has become imperative. Until now, India relied solely on the Information Technology Act of 2000 to navigate the digital realm, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive and updated legislation to protect the digital space of its vast population.

The right to privacy has been recognised as a fundamental right by the Constitution of India and reiterated by the Honorable Supreme Court of India in the case of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, popularly known as the Aadhar Judgement.

The DPDP Act defines its scope, applying specifically to “digital personal data” which means any data collected in digital form or non-digital data which is digitalized subsequently. The Act extends its jurisdiction to the processing of digital personal data linked to any activity related to the offering of goods or services to data principals in India, even if such processing is done outside the country but involves the data of Indian citizens. However, any personal data processed by individuals for any personal or domestic purpose or data publicly disclosed by the data principal or others under legal obligation falls outside the purview of this Act. It means that if I share any personal information via this blog, I cannot claim protection under the DPDP Act.

This legislation features some crucial provisions including but not limited to the rights of data principals, duties of data fiduciaries, legitimate use of consent, grounds for processing personal data, and regulations concerning the transfer of such data outside the country. Data Principals have certain rights and duties against the personal data they provide to a data fiduciary, which are discussed below.

RIGHTS & DUTIES AS A DATA PRINCIPAL

You as a data principal, have the right to be fully informed about how your data is used by a data fiduciary, including its purpose and usage. In case of any data breaches, the data fiduciary is obligated to promptly inform you. Additionally, you possess the right to rectify any inaccuracies in personal data you have provided and to request its deletion from the platform at any time.

You can nominate individuals to act on your behalf regarding decisions concerning your personal data. Furthermore, if you find the handling or processing of your data unsatisfactory, you have the recourse to seek grievance redressal from the Data Protection Board of India.

However, it’s essential to recognize that with rights come responsibilities. When providing personal data to a data fiduciary, it’s imperative not to impersonate others or withhold material information. Authenticity is key, especially when exercising your right to data correction or erasure. While the DPDP Act empowers you to file complaints with the Data Protection Board, it’s crucial to refrain from submitting false or frivolous complaints.

Failure to uphold these duties may result in penalties, with breaches carrying a fine of up to INR 10,000 for non-compliance by the data principal.

YOUR ROLE AS A DATA FIDUCIARY

As a Data Fiduciary, you play a pivotal role in determining the purpose and methods of processing personal data. Your primary responsibility lies in ensuring compliance with the DPDP Act, whether you’re directly processing digital personal data or engaging third parties to do so on your behalf. Accountability is key, necessitating clear, concise, and comprehensive notices to be provided to data principals, the individuals to whom the data pertains.

Key Responsibilities:

• Notice Requirements: The Act mandates the provision of requisite notice by a data fiduciary, either during or before seeking consent from a data principal. This notice must encompass essential elements, including a description of the personal data to be collected, its processing purposes, and the rights of the data principal. Withdrawal of consent shall not, at any time affect the legality of processing of personal data before the withdrawal. Such notice should also include the contact details of the Data Protection Officer/authorised representative to handle related communications.
• Lawful Processing: Personal data may only be processed for lawful purposes, contingent upon obtaining consent through distinct affirmative action. This consent must be free, specific, informed, unconditional, and unambiguous.
• Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness: It’s imperative to collect accurate, complete, and consistent data, processing only the data consented to for legitimate purposes. Data must be promptly erased unless its retention is essential.
• Technical and Organizational Measures: Implementation of robust technical and organizational measures is vital to effectively adhere to the law and mitigate risks. Any personal data breaches must be reported promptly to both the Data Protection Board and the affected data principals.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with notice requirements may result in penalties of up to INR 200 Crore under the DPDP Act.

Additional Considerations:

• Limited Consent: If consent obtained by the Data Fiduciary extends beyond the specified purpose, the Data Principal is deemed to have given limited consent, restricting the processing of additional personal data. So if you have permitted a data fiduciary to access your contact list along with your address, say, an online clothing platform, only the information crucial for it to complete the task, i.e., to deliver the goods to your address, shall be processed.
• Penalties for Breach: Breaches in observance of additional obligations concerning children or failure to notify data principals of personal data breaches may incur penalties of up to INR 250 Crore under the DPDP Act.

I also spoke on the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 at WordCamp Mumbai. Read more here.

In summary, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 stands as a pivotal response to the pressing need to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals over their digital personal data in India. Drawing inspiration from the GDPR in Europe, this legislation marks a significant milestone in addressing long-standing gaps in data protection regulations in the country.

While the DPDPA addresses several urgent issues and represents the first step towards establishing a protected space for personal data processing, there are lingering concerns and unanswered questions. The legislation leaves certain areas, such as Generative AI and data scraping from public spaces, unaddressed, necessitating further deliberation. Additionally, the right to designate a data fiduciary as a “significant data fiduciary” and decisions regarding the non-transfer of personal data of Indians to certain countries has been reserved with the central government.

The concentration of powers with the central government raises apprehensions about the potential arbitrary use of personal data for political purposes, too. Recent incidents, such as messages circulated on platforms like WhatsApp during election campaigns, underscore the importance of addressing such concerns to safeguard individual privacy and democratic principles.

As the compliance notification is set to be released after the Lok Sabha elections, it becomes imperative to monitor & review its implications. The evolution of data protection laws in India must prioritize the preservation of individual rights and democratic values in the digital age. Time will unveil the efficacy of the DPDPA in balancing the need for data protection with governmental powers, ensuring that personal data remains shielded from misuse and exploitation.

Now, what about Azure? Launched by Microsoft in 2008 at the Professional Developers Conference (PDC), Azure is Microsoft’s platform for cloud computing. It provides businesses with the ability to build, manage, and deploy apps on a global scale, using your favorite tools and frameworks. One of the features that excites me the most is how reliable and high-quality the servers are—but that’s just the beginning of what Azure offers!

Deploying WordPress on Azure – Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to get your WordPress site up and running on Azure.

1. Create an Azure Account
   First, you’ll need to sign up for an Azure account. The good news is that Azure offers a free tier to get started, though they also have prepaid plans for more advanced users.
2. Log in to the Azure Portal
   Once you’ve created your account, log in to the Azure management portal. On the left-hand side, click on ‘App Services’ (previously known as ‘Websites’). Then, click the ‘+ New’ button at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Select WordPress from the Marketplace
   After clicking ‘+ New’, choose ‘Create a Web App’ and head to the Marketplace. The marketplace has a variety of open-source apps, including WordPress. Find WordPress, select it, and click ‘Create’.
4. Configure Your Website Settings
   Now it’s time to set up your website. Assign a unique URL for your site, select ‘Create a new MySQL database’ for your WordPress installation, and pick the geographic region closest to your audience for better performance. Once done, click ‘Next’ to proceed.
5. Install WordPress
   After your website is created, you’ll see a link to your WordPress site. Click the link, and you’ll be taken to the WordPress setup page. Here, you’ll enter details like your site title, username, password, and email address. You can also choose whether you want search engines to index your site.
6. Log in and Start Building!
   Once WordPress is installed, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the ‘Log In’ link. Use your username and password to log in, and that’s it—you’re ready to start building your site!

And there you have it! Your WordPress site is now live on Azure. It’s fast, secure, and built on a powerful cloud platform. Happy blogging!