Asutosh, Author at Cycle Tour India

Things I got to learn travelling Jharkhand on a cycle

Despite Bihar and Jharkhand having separated only in 2000, my tour across both states revealed stark differences in aspects such as population, culture, industrialization, communities, language, availability of resources, and people’s mindset. Having previously encountered challenges while traveling in densely populated Bihar, my experience in Jharkhand was unexpectedly pleasant. The state boasted greenery and forested areas, surpassing my observations in the other eight states I visited. Notably, 25% of Jharkhand’s population consists of tribals, contributing to a unique and welcoming atmosphere. The warm hospitality and calm nature of the people left a lasting impression, reminiscent of the legendary M.S. Dhoni, who not only exemplifies Jharkhand’s cricketing prowess but also reflects the character depth of its residents. Despite abundant mineral resources, the state faces significant developmental setbacks attributed to a challenging political landscape. In this article, I aim to share my unbiased travel experiences in Jharkhand, acknowledging potential personal biases and travel modes. I encourage readers to provide feedback and constructive comments, recognizing the subjective nature of my observations.

Things I got to learn travelling Jharkhand on a cycle Read More »

How is the life of a truck driver in India?

1 Comment / Bihar, People / Asutosh

Often, we tend to stereotype truck drivers as reckless and prone to drunk driving, shaped by the accidents we witness on the road. Yet, our perceptions are often skewed, as we rarely have the chance to converse with these essential frontline workers. Truck drivers, crucial for the nation’s functioning, keep it moving, even during crises like COVID. During my all India cycle tour, I had the privilege of engaging with Sarvan Yadav, a 37-year-old truck driver from Bihar. His insights into their challenging lives, marked by long hours in isolation, revealed the profound impact of a lack of education on their overall well-being. This encounter shifted my perspective, ensuring I’ll never view truck drivers the same way again.

How is the life of a truck driver in India? Read More »

Top 10 Tips that will make your cycle tour in India extremely easy

Cycle / Asutosh

In the post-COVID world, a profound shift has occurred in people’s perspectives, emphasizing the transient nature of life. This realization has sparked a surge in global travel, with some embarking on journeys around the world, while others, unable to do so, indulge in consuming travel content on social media. The rise of cycle touring vloggers has been particularly notable, reflecting a trend that has drastically transformed in just three years.

Top 10 Tips that will make your cycle tour in India extremely easy Read More »

Things I got to learn touring Bihar on cycle

Bihar, State summary / Asutosh

When seeking perspectives on underdevelopment in India, Bihar often takes the spotlight as the least developed and poorest state. Renowned for its educational shortcomings and the highest population density in the country, traveling through Bihar offers a glimpse into life amid limited education and prosperity. Despite the initial similarities with Uttar Pradesh in culture and lifestyle, a closer connection with locals unveils subtle distinctions between the two states. During my extensive cycle tour across India, I delved into Bihar’s living conditions, drawing comparisons with other states I visited. While I strive to minimize bias, my conclusions inevitably reflect my travel mode and personality. Approach the article with a critical eye, and feel free to suggest any amendments in the comments.

Things I got to learn touring Bihar on cycle Read More »

Things I got to learn touring Uttar Pradesh on a cycle

State summary, Uttar Pradesh / Asutosh

Uttar Pradesh is commonly perceived by the rest of India as the birthplace of many politicians, an agricultural hub, a region witnessing a reduction in crime rates, and the most densely populated area in the country. This state has cultivated a reputation for its significance in politics, issues related to crime, religious landmarks, and the challenge of unemployment due to its immense population. During my extensive cycling journey throughout this diverse state, I had the opportunity to experience these aspects firsthand. In this article, I share my personal insights on various topics. While I’ve strived to maintain objectivity, please keep in mind that some bias may arise from my mode of travel and personal perspective. I welcome your comments and any disagreements, along with your reasons, in the comment section below.

Things I got to learn touring Uttar Pradesh on a cycle Read More »

Things I got to learn travelling Rajhasthan on a cycle

1 Comment / Rajhasthan, State summary / Asutosh

Rajasthan, not only the largest state in India in terms of land area but also rich in cultural diversity, portrays a unique blend of traditions. Situated in a desert-prone region, the economic conditions lag behind the national standards, impacting the lifestyle, leaving it almost two decades behind the rest of the country. Many age-old traditions that existed before independence continue to persist in this region. The challenging desert conditions have hampered progress, reflecting in the way of life.

During my extensive 30-day cycling journey across Rajasthan, I had the chance to observe firsthand the ground reality of this underdeveloped state. These observations are presented with an attempt to minimize bias, though I acknowledge that some inherent biases might stem from my mode of travel and personal background. It’s encouraged to conduct further research for a comprehensive understanding.

Things I got to learn travelling Rajhasthan on a cycle Read More »

How does one become a celebrity manager in India and what goes behind it?

People, Rajhasthan / Asutosh

The world of celebrities often remains enigmatic to the general public, shrouded in a mystique that conceals the intricate web of management and coordination. A pivotal figure in this realm is the celebrity manager, a behind-the-scenes orchestrator who plays a crucial role in shaping and streamlining the lives of these notable individuals.

Celebrities, with their demanding schedules and multifaceted careers, heavily rely on their managers to handle an array of responsibilities. From meticulously managing their social media presence to organizing and coordinating events on their calendar, a celebrity manager serves as the linchpin in ensuring smooth operations in the fast-paced world of fame.

During my extensive cycling journey across India, I had the privilege of meeting Himanshu Yogi, a seasoned celebrity manager based in Pushkar. Our conversation shed light on the intrinsic demands of this profession. It became evident that excelling in this role requires a ‘get the job done’ mentality coupled with an extensive understanding of the local landscape and a vast network of contacts.

I learnt what truly sets a remarkable celebrity manager apart is their ability to foster and nurture relationships over time. Contacts and associations evolve and strengthen, paving the way to manage more prominent and influential celebrities. It’s a testament to the importance of trust, networking, and a deep understanding of the dynamics within the celebrity domain.

How does one become a celebrity manager in India and what goes behind it? Read More »

What it takes to become a local wall painting artist in a village?

People, Rajhasthan / Asutosh

We often encounter intricate paintings adorning the walls of temples and signboards in Indian villages, seemingly printed but crafted by skilled artists. Yet, their artistry often remains overlooked or overshadowed by the primary subjects like temples or shops.

During my extensive cycling journey across India, this intriguing aspect of artistry and its creators became a focal point of my curiosity. I had the pleasure of meeting Shyamlal Bavri, a remarkably talented artist from Bhumbliya village in Rajasthan. While admiring a wall painting in a temple, I couldn’t help but wonder about the gifted individual behind such creations.

Upon learning that there was indeed a talented artist responsible for these remarkable paintings, I extended an invitation to Shyamlal Bavri to visit the temple where I was staying. Our ensuing conversation shed light on the challenges faced by artists in rural areas. Often, due to a lack of mentors and proper guidance, they find themselves reinventing the wheel, seeking to perfect their craft.

Shyamlal shared valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of learning the art itself rather than relying solely on readily available creations. He likened this approach to learning the art of fishing rather than simply being served a meal—an embodiment of the adage that mastering the process is equally if not more important than the outcome. This encounter underscored the rich tapestry of talent and innovation that thrives in the lesser-known corners of our diverse nation.

What it takes to become a local wall painting artist in a village? Read More »

How is the life of Manganiyar community people who sing folk and Sufi music in Rajhasthan?

People, Rajhasthan / Asutosh

Rajasthan, one of the Indian states, grapples with underdevelopment in many areas, where people continue to uphold ancient traditions passed down through generations. It’s common to observe professions being inherited, like a blacksmith’s son following in his father’s footsteps or a teacher’s son becoming a teacher. Among these communities is the Manganiar class, part of the Muslim community, known for their folk music. They’ve been performing for wealthy landlords and aristocrats for generations, and music is deeply ingrained in their culture, with newborns’ cries eagerly awaited to check if they have a natural rhythm.

In this community, women typically don’t participate in singing performances, so male children are highly prized as they’re seen as the means to sustain their families. To this day, many of these community members sing on the streets to make a living.

During my all-India cycling tour, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Sattar Khan, a member of this community, and his 13-year-old son, Khanu Khan. They perform at Jaisalmer’s sunset point to earn donations from visitors. Conversations with them provided valuable insights into their mindset and the challenges they face in making a livelihood through street performances.

Photo: Sattar Khan with his son Khanu Khan on the streets of Jaiselmer

The life of Manganiyar community people
Mr. Sattar Khan vividly recounted how Jaisalmer has transformed over the years, now attracting hordes of tourists to its golden landscape. He painted a stark picture of his childhood, describing how his mother would endure long walks under the scorching desert sun just to fetch a single bucket of water for her children. Raised in abject poverty, he explained that their survival hinged on mastering music as children and performing for the affluent during various occasions to eke out a living. On days when their musical talents weren’t in demand, they resorted to seeking sustenance from the homes of wealthy landlords, a different form of begging, as he put it.

Sattar Khan shared that he began singing at the age of 11, accompanying his father to sing in order to earn enough for the day. Hailing from a family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters, all reliant on singing for their livelihood, he shed light on the prevalent practice of early marriages within their community. In 2003, at the tender age of 20, he became a married man. In addition to their musical pursuits, they also engaged in cattle rearing to make ends meet.

How is the life of Manganiyar community people who sing folk and Sufi music in Rajhasthan? Read More »

How is the life of the blacksmith – Gadia lohar community people in India?

1 Comment / People, Rajhasthan / Asutosh

India, despite its progress since gaining independence, still grapples with deeply entrenched issues of casteism and the systematic suppression of backward communities. This is particularly evident in states like Rajasthan, where the shadows of caste-based discrimination loom large. From enduring the demeaning act of sitting on the ground before higher caste individuals to being forbidden from touching certain utensils, archaic practices persist in various forms.

During my extensive cycling journey across India, I gained first-hand insight into the plight of marginalized communities. It became evident that the barriers obstructing their growth and progress are profound. Among the many groups I encountered, the Gadia Lohar, originally blacksmiths tracing their lineage back to Maharana Pratap of Mewar in present-day southern Rajasthan, stood out with a unique and harrowing tale.

How is the life of the blacksmith – Gadia lohar community people in India? Read More »