pull down to refresh
0 sats \ 0 replies \ @abhishandy 23 Jul \ on: Plebchain Radio • Layer 2 Ep. 5 [The India Series]: From Gavels to Nodes bitcoin
Summary of Plebchain Radio Layer 2 Podcast Episode Featuring Shreyan Joshi
This episode of Plebchain Radio Layer 2, part of their India series, features Shreyan Joshi, a law school graduate turned Bitcoin advocate. Hosted by Avi, the discussion traces Shreyan’s transition from a legal career to becoming a key figure in India’s Bitcoin community through his work with Bitshala, an organization focused on Bitcoin education and development.
Key Points from Shreyan’s Journey:
- Shreyan graduated from NLU Patna in 2021 and initially worked at an IPR law firm. Despite early exposure to Bitcoin, it wasn’t until the 2021 bull market that he dove deeper into the subject, inspired by Andreas Antonopoulos.
- Disillusioned with traditional legal work and intrigued by Bitcoin, Shreyan left his job to explore the cryptocurrency space, initially dabbling in Ethereum and smart contracts before becoming a Bitcoin maximalist.
- His shift to Bitcoin was driven by a realization of its decentralized, trustless nature and the limitations of smart contracts for real-world applications due to legal and jurisdictional constraints.
Discussion on Smart Contracts:
- Shreyan and Avi discuss the allure and limitations of smart contracts, especially in representing real-world assets on a blockchain. They agree that while digitally native assets like Bitcoin can be effectively managed with smart contracts (e.g., inheritance, time locks), real-world assets remain subject to local laws and enforcement authorities, diminishing the utility of blockchain representation in disputes.
Bitshala and Bitcoin in India:
- Bitshala is introduced as a central hub for Bitcoin education in India, focusing on technical training for developers and builders, with a particular emphasis on India and Southeast Asia. It offers free cohorts, clubs, and events to lower barriers to entry for Bitcoin enthusiasts.
- Bitshala operates through grants from global Bitcoin-focused organizations like HRF, OpenSats, and Spiral, with no local Indian equivalent for funding yet. Physical hubs like Bitspace in Bangalore serve as meetup points for the community.
- Shreyan highlights the grassroots efforts of Bitshala, including weekly educational sessions, cohorts for structured learning, and outreach to colleges to engage younger generations.
Bitcoin Adoption and Challenges in India:
- The episode references a pivotal Bitcoin conference in November 2022, which coincided with the bear market bottom and the FTX collapse. This event marked the genesis of Bitshala and galvanized the Indian Bitcoin community.
- Shreyan acknowledges the prevalence of “shitcoin” projects in India, lamenting the diversion of talent to less substantial blockchain ventures. However, he notes a growing organic interest in Bitcoin among students and institutions, driven by Bitshala’s proof of work over the past two and a half years.
Cultural and Educational Impact:
- Shreyan emphasizes the importance of local voices and diverse expressions (art, music, vernacular languages) in making Bitcoin relatable and real for Indians, moving beyond an online phenomenon to a tangible community movement.
- Despite regulatory uncertainties, Bitcoin is recognized as a virtual digital asset in India, and Shreyan advocates for engagement with policymakers to shape a favorable legal framework for Bitcoin’s future.
Conclusion:
The episode underscores the growing Bitcoin ecosystem in India, driven by initiatives like Bitshala, despite challenges from regulatory ambiguity and competing crypto projects. Shreyan’s story reflects a broader narrative of personal and communal transformation through Bitcoin, with a focus on education and community building as key drivers for adoption. The podcast ends with a call for listeners to subscribe via the Fountain app for full access to the episode and additional content.