Each time someone reaches out and asks if I’ll be at Inclusive India, Purple Fest, CSUN, M-Enabling, or any other conference/meet, my answer has consistently been no for the past few years. For someone who used to attend every conference, meetup, and event both in the country and abroad, this question serves as a constant reminder of the chronic health challenges I acquired in my thirties.
While I successfully navigated organ transplant and post-transplant complications, the effects of immunosuppression drugs on my physical and mental health present significant daily challenges. Every outing requires multiple precautions, careful food choices, and timely medication.
It’s been five years since I ventured beyond the city limits. There are times when several months pass before I step out for a good lunch or dinner with a friend. I miss the sense of community, the opportunity to make new friends, explore possibilities, engage in idea brainstorming, and all that a vibrant community life offers. It’s not about me being able to attend a conference/event; it’s about losing an identity of mine. The online world is vast, crowded, and noisy, causing voices like mine to be drowned out by the next update from another digital avatar.
As social animals, we need to meet people, feel their presence, engage, talk, laugh, eat, drink, and do much more to build strong bonds. Very few online friendships and relationships withstand the test of time…
The next time you find yourself at a conference or meet, take a moment to think of me and those who were with you way back. I was there once, and I hope to join you again one day. Looking forward to the day we can reunite at conferences, creating new memories together.
I am just scared of travelling alone, you know how inviting the infrastructure of this country is. Transport options are also so safe where I have to keep my mind indulgent to where I need to get off OR who stole my Salami Sandwich!