Nikita Aswani on Drupal India’s Community Growth
Exploring India's growing influence in the global Drupal community
Nikita Aswani is an Acquia Triple Certified Drupal Expert and dedicated community member with over 7 years of Drupal experience. An accessibility enthusiast, she has helped numerous clients create accessible and responsive websites. As a seasoned public speaker, she has presented at various Drupal and organizational events. Nikita’s journey in the Drupal community extends beyond her technical role, as she has been an active organizer for Drupal events in Pune, fostering collaboration and innovation within the community. She has also volunteered at multiple Drupal conferences, assisting with session reviews. This year she was selected as the track lead for the User Experience, Accessibility, and Design track at DrupalCon Singapore.
A skilled public speaker and trainer, Nikita frequently shares her knowledge through seminars, training sessions, and technical presentations. Her commitment to the Drupal ecosystem and passion for open-source accessibility and inclusivity make her a respected voice in the field, inspiring both seasoned developers and newcomers alike.
INTRODUCTION
In this insightful conversation with Nikita Aswani, we dive deep into her journey as a prominent figure in the Drupal community, her experiences navigating complex Drupal projects, and the rewards and challenges of community building. Nikita shares not only her technical expertise but also her passion for accessibility and inclusive design, which she has championed as a track lead at major events like DrupalCon Singapore. From pioneering multisite architecture to her leadership in organizing events like DrupalCamp Pune, Nikita’s story is a testament to the power of community-driven growth in open-source technology. Join us as she reflects on her accomplishments, discusses the future of Drupal in India, and offers advice for new contributors eager to make their mark. This interview is a glimpse into what it means to come for the code and stay for the community.
You’re an Acquia Certified Grand Master with over seven years of experience in Drupal. Could you tell us about a particularly challenging project you've led and what made it stand out in your career?
Nikita: One challenging project that stands out was a large-scale, multisite, multilingual platform built on Acquia Site Factory. I joined this high-profile project with a "Dream Team" of top technical architects and experts from multiple global companies, all of whom had years of experience. Initially, I joined as a developer, but thanks to the invaluable training and mentorship I received from Piyuesh Kumar, Saket Kumar, and Ajit Shinde, I quickly took on additional responsibilities, such as code reviews and design grooming sessions. Within a year, I was leading the front-end team in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines. The project’s complexity—multiple teams working on various features simultaneously, alongside ad hoc client requests—required me to balance leadership and development roles. This experience taught me invaluable skills and marked a turning point in my career, preparing me to confidently take on advanced roles.
You’ve been the lead organizer for both DrupalCamp Pune 2023 and 2024. Looking back, how did these two events differ in scope and energy? Was there a moment or a unique aspect that made you feel the Drupal community in India is truly leveling up and poised for exciting growth?
Nikita: Organizing DrupalCamp Pune 2023 was my first experience leading an event at that scale, and although our team was enthusiastic, many of us were new to organizing. Our goal was to recapture the pre-COVID energy by hosting an in-person event, and we identified areas for improvement in a post-event retrospective. By 2024, we had a more experienced team and wanted to reflect the latest in Drupal by introducing tracks like Starshot and covering Drupal trends, integrations, and case studies. We also launched "Drupal in a Day" training for students, partnering with Forcontu to provide free, extensive site-building courses. This year, we made the camp a paid event to ensure quality and answered any hesitations about this shift through panel discussions and blog posts.
A standout moment for me was during the panel discussion when I saw an enthusiastic response from the community. The energy, insights, and engagement from the community felt like a turning point, making it clear that the Drupal community in India is poised for significant growth. I believe we’re on the brink of seeing many more Drupal events across the country in the near future, which is exciting for all of us.
As the Track Chair Lead for the User Experience, Accessibility, and Design track at DrupalCon Singapore 2024, what are the top priorities you’re focusing on to make this track impactful for attendees?
Nikita: I’ve long been passionate about accessibility, having presented sessions on it at various Drupal events and written blogs to spread awareness. I believe that sharing insights from design to user experience with a focus on accessibility not only empowers developers but also broadens our community's commitment to inclusivity.
"Together, user experience, accessibility, and design form the foundation of impactful digital experiences".
Good user experience stems from understanding and empathizing with user needs, accessibility ensures that everyone can interact inclusively, and thoughtful design brings it all together visually and interactively. Prioritizing these elements creates solutions that are not only functional but truly user-centered. A key focus for this track is to make accessibility integral to the entire development process, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
You’ve been actively volunteering at Drupal events since 2019, from website development to marketing. How do you balance your professional commitments with your extensive volunteer work, and what drives you to contribute so actively?
Nikita: My journey into active volunteering with the Drupal community began in 2019. Although I started with Drupal in 2017, attending my first Drupal Camp that year was an eye-opener. The warm and inclusive environment made a lasting impression, and by 2019, I felt ready to contribute. Initially, I focused on website development, which not only aligned with my skills but also helped me build valuable connections. Over time, as I gained more experience in my career, I felt drawn to other aspects of organizing, such as session reviews and even leading marketing efforts. Each new role provided unique insights and deepened my commitment to the community, making it feel more like a second family.
Balancing volunteer work with my professional life has been challenging—at times, it feels like managing two full-time roles. Some days involve long calls, action items, and managing timelines, especially when leading marketing initiatives. I’m also fortunate to work for organizations that recognize the value of community engagement, which makes it easier to give back without compromising professional responsibilities. Ultimately, what keeps me engaged is the Drupal community itself—the support and encouragement are unique. Organizing events is my way of giving back, and helping new contributors experience the same sense of belonging and growth that I found here.
As a closing thought, if you could envision the Drupal community in India five years from now, what would you most like to see, and what role do you hope to play in making that vision a reality?
Nikita: In five years, I envision the Drupal community in India as a vibrant hub actively shaping Drupal’s global evolution. India already boasts a significant share of contributors, and my vision is to see it recognized on a larger scale through innovations in areas like accessibility, user experience, and emerging technologies. Strengthening ties between large organizations and open source contributions is crucial; when companies openly support their Drupal work—whether financially or through dedicated developer time—it enhances Drupal’s credibility and visibility in the Indian tech landscape.
"Additionally, uniting regional communities under shared goals, while still respecting the local needs of each region, could further energize and strengthen Drupal India".
I would love to continue playing a role in organizing regional events, fostering mentorship, and encouraging new contributors to join, ultimately creating a more connected and powerful Drupal presence in India. Perhaps this unified approach could one day bring a national or even an Asia-Pacific DrupalCon to India, showcasing our contributions and collaboration on a global stage.
Any final thoughts that you would like to convey to our audience?
Nikita: I’d encourage anyone interested in joining the Drupal community, even if they’re unsure or introverted, to reach out and give it a try. The Drupal community is incredibly welcoming, and there are roles for everyone, regardless of technical background. If you’re eager to help, just connect with someone in the community—they’ll find a way for you to contribute and support you along the way. We’re always looking for passionate members to join and grow alongside us.
