The other day, someone was explaining to me how some musicians have a hype crew. I googled the term. This is what I found. A “hype crew” is a group of people who generate excitement and energy. They often do this through performance, promotion, or community engagement.

So I guess it is appropriate to call these folks part of the hype crew for WordCamp Asia 2026. Unfortunately, I did not wear the cap in this pic!

Learning new things! 

While I know a lot about WordPress, about community building, training, and more, I am new to several things. These include going through several page long contracts and learning about how good production comes through for events.

Understanding how conference spaces manage their spaces is also new to me. All are new training wheels for me. So this ride as one of the leads for WordCamp Asia is a lot of fun!

Last weekend, about 25 organisers visited the venue (Jio World Convention Centre) for WordCamp Asia 2026. I have been to the venue several times before it was finalised and even after it has been finalised. But seeing it through other people’s eyes is always nice.

On a lark, I asked on our WhatsApp group, if we should all wear the Gandhi Topi or Gandhi Caps. 

Get involved with WordCamp Asia 2026 – Call for speakers, volunteers and sponsors are still open!

Gandhi Topis (Caps)

So Gandhi caps were mainly popularly worn by Indian freedom fighters. He wore these caps during his early rise in the political landscape of India in the 1920s. This was during the reform movements. These caps were also used by participants of the ensuing civil disobedience movements. It is a cotton based cap, and you will see it quite popularly worn as everyday attire in rural Maharashtra.

Black inmates in South African jails were made to wear caps. Gandhi learned how to sew caps on a sewing machine while in prison in South Africa. This article is a good read on its origins.

I personally joke, that wear this cap and any attire becomes formal!

Finally, here is me wearing the Gandhi Topi with my fellow leads Meher, Vachan and Regan.