Join Back the Buidlers a dynamic platform for connecting builders, investors, users and protocols on 9th December 2023.
In the epic tale of the crypto realm, every person takes their first plunge into the Wild West with the legendary Bitcoin - the original digital currency that introduced the world to the idea of a decentralized and open financial system. It's not just a currency; it's a statement of freedom and autonomy in the digital age. To some, it's the answer to an opaque and flawed system that has failed their dreams and ambitions countless number of times. To many, it has become the answer to anything wrong that happens with central bank managed economies, be it a war between two countries, hyperinflation or banks collapsing, Bitcoin is looked up to as the solution.
Bitcoin’s lasting influence and its foundational role in the world of blockchain gets strengthened further with the advent of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs). Additionally, every blockchain at the outset follows the key principles of decentralization and permissionless access, inspired by Bitcoin.
Since blockchain inturn powers the world of web3, all blockchain based computation engines like Ethereum should naturally reflect the principles inspired by Bitcoin. However, as the blockchain universe expanded with the platforms like Ethereum and various Layer 2 solutions, the focus was shifted. In the rush for innovation, some of the fundamental principles laid out in the Bitcoin Whitepaper - such as decentralization and open access for all - have been sidelined. The dream of a community-driven, equitable digital ecosystem has been overshadowed by exclusive practices that contradict the very essence of what bitcoin was meant to embody.
A striking example of this divergence was witnessed in Bangalore, during a crypto event in December 2023. Our volunteers (hackathon participants), along with our mascot Amigo, faced unwarranted exclusion by the organizers of the ETH India hackathon. This incident not only highlighted the pressing issue of elitism within certain crypto circles but also served as a wake-up call for the need to realign with the core values of the bitcoin movement itself. After extensive consultation with the community and similar thoughts shared by many of those that participated at Eth India hackathon, a similar experience was shared by many in the Indian ecosystem especially at hands of organizers, the team behind the majority of the onground work in India. An ecosystem initially created for the benefit of the public or for the common good has abandoned its original purpose. Instead, it is now influenced and controlled by harsh and exclusive ideas that cater to a specific group or elite, neglecting the interests of the general public or patrons who initially supported it.
It is noteworthy that historical instances of gatekeeping and monopolistic maneuvers, similar to those presently observed, catalyzed the financial crisis that led to the inception of this industry, extending beyond the genesis of Bitcoin alone, championing permissionless right at the onset. Inspired by Bitcoin, Blockchained India was founded on the belief that the true potential of blockchain lies in its ability to create a decentralized, inclusive digital world. Over the past seven years, we've consistently worked towards building a community that reflects these values, embracing over 70,000 members, 500 startups, and 40 protocols along the way.
Our journey brings us back to the ethos of Bitcoin, inspiring our latest initiative - the "CrossBlock Alliance." This alliance aims to foster collaboration and inclusivity among various blockchain platforms, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, SUI, Aptos, Ripple and interoperability chains like Polkadot and Cosmos. Spearheaded by the cross-chain infrastructure team Axelar, the CrossBlock Alliance is a testament to our commitment to overcoming division and gatekeeping to promote a small but united blockchain ecosystem.
The CrossBlock Alliance is a movement towards a diverse, equitable, and inclusive web3 future. We invite enthusiasts, developers, founders, protocols, and exchanges who share our vision for an open and accessible digital world, inspired by the foundational principles of Bitcoin, to join us in this endeavor. Lets build towards an open and interoperable marketplace where users own their data and social relationships instead of marketplaces and ecosystems that restrict information flow to only abuse the same for beefing up their own bank balances.
Together, we can shape a web3 ecosystem that is permissionless in interaction, champions inclusivity, and paves the way for a more connected and equitable digital future. A web3 ecosystem that is owned by people without any gatekeeping whatsoever.
