Lightning Talk Beginner First Talk

Exploring the Power of Free and Open Source Software

Rejected

Session Description

1. Introduction

As a passionate open-source advocate and tech community builder, I am organizing this FOSS Speaker Session to bring together experts, contributors, and enthusiasts to discuss the significance of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

This session will offer a beginner-friendly yet insightful experience, covering:

✅ The power of open source in shaping careers & businesses.

✅ Practical steps to start contributing to FOSS.

✅ Real-world impact stories from experienced contributors.

✅ Sustainability & ethics in open-source projects.

With my experience in Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC), Winter of Blockchain, and Chrome Gaming, I aim to make this session an engaging and interactive learning space.

2. Objectives

Encourage students & developers to actively participate in open source.
Provide clear guidance on making the first GitHub contribution.
Share insider tips on open-source internships like GSoC, Outreachy, and MLH Fellowship.
Discuss the role of FOSS in Web3, AI, and blockchain.
Connect attendees with open-source communities & mentorship opportunities.

3. Target Audience

Students & Beginners exploring open source.
Developers & Engineers looking to expand their skills.
Tech Communities & FOSS Contributors from different backgrounds.
Startup Founders & Innovators interested in open-source collaboration.

4. Key Topics to Cover

🔹 Introduction to Free & Open Source Software (FOSS)

Understanding why open source matters
Difference between FOSS, Freeware, and Proprietary Software
The ethical and legal aspects of FOSS licensing

🔹 How to Start Contributing to Open Source

Finding beginner-friendly repositories (Good First Issues)
Understanding Git, GitHub, and version control basics
Hands-on live demo: first pull request

🔹 FOSS & Career Growth

How open-source contributions can lead to jobs
Insights on Google Summer of Code (GSoC), Outreachy, and MLH Fellowships
Open-source in freelancing & startups

🔹 The Future of FOSS: Trends & Opportunities

Web3 & Decentralization in Open Source
AI & Machine Learning in Open Source
Challenges & Sustainable Open Source Funding

5. Expected Outcomes

By the end of this session, attendees will:

✅ Gain practical knowledge about FOSS & GitHub.

✅ Learn how to start contributing to open source.

✅ Discover career opportunities in FOSS & Web3.

✅ Connect with FOSS mentors and communities.

✅ Be inspired to build and sustain open-source projects.

Session Categories

FOSS

Speakers

Durgesh Kumar Prajapati Founder & CEO | DevRhylme Foundation

I am Durgesh Kumar Prajapati, a passionate open-source advocate, tech community builder, and creative graphic designer with over two years of experience in design, development, and community engagement.

My Open Source & Tech Community Journey

🚀 Program Manager at Winter of Blockchain & Social Winter of Code, leading community-driven blockchain initiatives.

🚀 City Lead (Lucknow) for GirlScript Foundation, organizing blockchain-focused events & hackathons.

🚀 Google Cloud Arcade Facilitator, mentoring students in Cloud, Web3, and Open Source.

🚀 Open Source Contributor to various projects, including Doptor Organogram Builder

🚀 As a Open Source Contributor i have Contributed in The Tor Project, Omega Up and XWiki

Reviews

Looks AI generated. Also, I'm not too excited about the focus on Web3 and blockchain. And I don't think there's a need for "insider tips" for stuff like GSoC.

Reviewer #1 Rejected

This is a introductory talk for FOSS and a "how to play the game" guide at making FOSS beneficial for your career. Unsure if we need to have this at a FOSS United event as there is already plenty of this on YouTube/Social Media and other places.

Reviewer #2 Not Sure

Too basic for a conference. Also, we don't promote web3. Please refer to the proposal guidelines - https://forum.fossunited.org/t/talk-proposal-guidelines-for-a-foss-conference-meetup/1923

Reviewer #3 Rejected