Subrata Sarkar receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community

Meet Subrata Sarkar, a valued member of the WordPress Community Team! Ritika Roy nominated him for the Yoast Care fund because of his commitment and valuable contributions to the community. Let’s learn more about this passionate WordPress enthusiast.

Nominator Ritika Roy: “Subrata has been instrumental in shaping the Kolkata WordPress Community. From spearheading its official chapter registration to diligently organizing all our monthly meetups, he’s consistently been at the forefront of our local activities. He has also led and successfully arranged two WordCamps. Beyond this, he’s actively encouraging other community members to take the lead in events like CareerCamp and Kolkata Women’s WordCamp.“

Let’s get to know Idris Subrata Sarkar

Those are some lovely words by Ritika. Let’s get to know Subrata a bit better and ask him some questions about his work and passion for WordPress:

Subrata, how did you first discover WordPress, and why did you start contributing?

In 2016, my mentor, Jacob Schwartz, suggested I explore open-source technology by joining a local WordPress group. I found one in Kolkata that was inactive but eventually became familiar with WordPress and started contributing to the core, realizing it would deepen my knowledge. Since then, Arun Sign, Chirag Nayar, and I revived the community, organizing monthly meetups that eventually received official chapter status. I truly enjoy WordPress, its community, the open-source concept, and the contribution badges on my profile, which constantly motivate me.

What is your WordPress-related goal you have for this year?

Since 2016, I’ve actively engaged with the local community and WordPress events nationwide, focusing on education and expanding our local group. This year, my goal is to partner with at least two academic institutions to raise awareness about WordPress among students. I want to demonstrate how this versatile software can enhance their lives and open up numerous career opportunities, regardless of their background. By year-end, I aim to connect with these institutions to help students envision bright futures through WordPress.

What excites you most about WordPress? 

It’s hard to pick just one thing, but several major points make WordPress the most loved tool worldwide. Its simplicity is unmatched; the user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to grasp. The database structure, with just 12 tables, allows for immense flexibility. Installation is so straightforward that even a beginner can do it. I also appreciate the wealth of free themes and plugins, enabling almost any functionality. Finally, the WordPress community stands out. I’ve joined other open-source groups, but none match the warmth, helpfulness, and camaraderie found here.

What is your favorite WordPress memory or something you are most proud of?

Living in the WordPress ecosystem offers many great moments, making it tough to choose just one. However, four experiences consistently fill me with pride: (1) the day our community became official and held its first meetup, (2) attending my first WordCamp in New Delhi in 2017, (3) being chosen by my community members to lead the first Kolkata WordCamp in 2019, and (4) of course, seeing the contribution badges on my WordPress profile.

What advice would you give to someone just starting with WordPress?

For anyone new to WordPress, my best advice is to utilize the free, well-crafted, beginner-friendly documentation. Supplement this with online videos and tutorials for deeper learning; expensive courses aren’t necessary, self-learning works wonders! Set small, achievable goals with deadlines, and be patient with yourself. Start by installing WordPress locally and building a simple blog, gradually adding features to deepen your understanding. Most importantly, join your local WordPress group, attend events, and engage with experts to elevate your skills. Enjoy the journey!

Thank you for this interview, Subrata, and for all your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Subrata Sarkar who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.