2023 DSF Board Candidates

Hello Everyone,
I am Gajendra Deshpande, and I am using Python since 2013 for academic research and development activities. I develop prototypes and applications in Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, and Web applications using Python and its ecosystem. I am working as a faculty of Computer Science and run a start-up in cyber security. I am an active member of the PyCon India community and served as program committee lead for PyCon India 2021. I have presented approximately 80 talks, 20 Workshops, and 15 posters across the globe at prestigious conferences like DjangoCon US, DjangoCon EU, DjangoCongress Japan, PyData Global, PyCon APAC, PyCon AU, EuroPython, SciPy India, SciPy USA, PyCon USA, JuliaCon, FOSDEM, and several other Python and FOSS conferences. I have helped Python and FOSS Conferences by reviewing the talk and tutorial proposals, mentoring first-time speakers, participating in the discussions, and organizing the events. I am passionate about community work and would love to continue contributing to the Django community. I believe that as a member of the DSF board I can contribute to the community more effectively.

Goals as a DSF board member (2023)
1. Start regional Django communities (especially in Asia and other regions) to spread awareness about Django. Introduce more people to the Django community and facilitate them to become contributors to the community in various capacities such as Speakers, Volunteers, and core Django developers.

2. Work as a facilitator to start more regional Django conferences (e.g., DjangoCon Asia) and City level chapters in the Global South. I started the BelPy conference in 2021 which is a regional conference in Belagavi, India. I have Initiated the organization of Django conference and grow it to DjangoCon in Asia region like DjangoCon US and DjangoCon EU. The Django Conference is in the planning stage and will be organized in the last week of March or the first week of April 2023. Our university has agreed to host the same at no cost.

3. Work with industries to develop Python/Django courses and enable the adoption of industry-aligned Python/Django courses in universities and colleges. These courses can be offered as a part of the curriculum wherever possible or as add-on courses. The goal is to make more people employable in a short time using the “Train-to-Deploy” approach. The courses shall be made available free of cost to the Python/Django community and especially for those who are suffering from economic hardships.

4. Work with start-ups for adoption of Django in product development thereby encourage them to contribute towards and Python/Django community and DSF.
5. Create awareness among people regarding the activities of DSF, Python/Django conferences, Projects, and grants. Motivate and mentor people from diverse backgrounds to apply for grants and projects.

6. Work with present DSF board members and actively contribute to the Django community especially in Global South to increase inclusivity and diversity.

For more information about me kindly visit https://gcdeshpande.github.io/

Thank you everyone for stopping by and going through my nomination. I ask for your vote, and I look forward to earning your trust to serve the Python community.

Stay Safe. Take Care.

Best Regards

Gajendra Deshpande