A First Visit, a First Conference
PGDay Hyderabad 2024 was a landmark event: the first PostgreSQL conference ever held in Hyderabad, and, for me, a first visit to India. As a database consultant with CYBERTEC, I've spoken at many events, but this trip promised a new experience on multiple levels. The journey began with a late-night arrival and a few rookie errors—no local SIM card and no exchanged currency. The former proved particularly inconvenient, as OTP-based verification is pervasive in India, even for ride-hailing apps.
The initial culture shock was profound but overwhelmingly positive. The pace of life is a stark contrast to Europe, and the cuisine is an adventure in itself. Between sessions, I managed to explore Hyderabad despite the rain, taking in the Golconda Fort, the Charminar, and the Laad Bazaar. A stop at the Nimrah Cafe was a highlight, where a kitchen tour and a tasting of their renowned tea offered a memorable, immersive break from the conference circuit.
Presenting and Connecting at the Venue
The conference was held in the VAJRA-C4 building at the IIIT-Hyderabad Campus, with tickets sold out weeks in advance. The space suited the crowd, though the demand suggests a larger venue will be necessary for future editions. I presented "Professional PostgreSQL Monitoring Made Easy," a talk I've delivered many times, and was pleased to see a full room. The audience's engagement was notable, sparking several clever questions.
The real highlight came after my session. Two attendees approached me to showcase how they use PGWatch, having dramatically enhanced their Grafana dashboards. Their work was so polished that I urged them to consider open-sourcing it. These interactions are what make speaking at conferences worthwhile—witnessing the innovative ways the community extends the tools we build.
The event's atmosphere was distinct from its European counterparts. The audience was exceptionally kind and welcoming, and I had the opportunity to meet many local community members. Some I knew from prior events or online collaborations with CYBERTEC; others were new acquaintances. I heard heartening feedback about my colleague Ants Aasma. It was also encouraging to see the community's focus on inclusion, particularly through conversations with representatives from "Postgres Women India."
A Community on the Rise
As is often the case on presentation days, I spent more time interacting than attending talks. The energy from the attendees was the day's most memorable aspect. The warm reception for all speakers underscores a broader trend: the PostgreSQL community in India is growing rapidly. These local and regional groups are the foundation of the global ecosystem, and their vibrancy is essential for driving adoption and innovation.
My time at PGDay Hyderabad was exceptional. I look forward to the next opportunity to engage with this community, with PGConf India 2025 in Bengaluru already on the horizon, and perhaps other international events in Australia and Japan. My thanks go out to the organizers, sponsors, and all who participated. It was an unforgettable experience, and I eager to see what the future holds for PostgreSQL in India.
