When I lived in Lisbon, one of the events that always drew attention was the Web Summit.
If you have attended a few conferences, you know the drill:
Expensive tickets. Repeated introductions. The fatigue that dulls genuine connection.
Everyone is selling something, and it becomes difficult to separate signal from noise.
One of my early jobs taught me how powerful volunteering can be. So, I signed up as a volunteer. And someone let me in :)
That decision was unexpectedly fruitful.
I found myself reporting to a group of teenagers and early-career professionals. And I confess, I had a whale of a time.
We handled the basics: chaperoning speakers, managing water stations, sorting logistics. It was simple work, but it opened a lot of doors.
I saw keynote speakers, nervously prepping, up close. I watched the quiet jostling for visibility. I met people who created opportunities for others without fanfare. And I saw remarkable leaders, free of the vice-like grip of titles, who could motivate teams even when rewards or incentives were unclear.
When you begin at the ground floor, you see the structure of things. You understand effort, coordination, and the small acts that make big moments possible.
Crucially, you also understand the limitless possibilities of not being burdened by one’s seniority, past experience, or currently visible roles.
India would benefit from embracing a stronger culture of volunteering.
Our festivals, community gatherings, literary events, and conferences are full of opportunities to contribute. Each one is a place to learn, unlearn, and grow.
Sometimes the best way to take part in something extraordinary, is just to help make it extraordinary.
Plus, as the adage goes, hands that help are holier than lips that pray.