Asutosh, Author at Cycle Tour India

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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Desert to dreams: how a school is transforming the life of children in Barmer, Rajasthan

People, Rajhasthan / Asutosh

In a world where education often takes the shape of a business, focusing on profit rather than purpose, finding schools genuinely dedicated to nurturing students’ dreams can be a challenge. Many educational institutions in India conform to established norms set by government bodies or aim for prestige, often overlooking the essence of true education. Education is more than a mere transfer of knowledge; it should empower young minds to comprehend life, tap into their human potential, and contribute to the world through their unique perspectives and innate talents.

During my extensive cycling journey across India, dedicated to highlighting the significance of education in broadening young minds, I encountered various schools. However, none stood out quite like Modern School, situated in the rural landscapes of Barmer, Rajasthan. Nestled in a desert region where access to quality education is limited, this institution has defied odds, surpassing the standards of many prestigious schools in more urbanized areas.

Under the stewardship of Dr. Mukesh Pachauri and Ms. Navneet Pachauri, Modern School was conceived with a clear vision: to impart knowledge with the intent of nurturing thoughtful individuals, not merely preparing a workforce for society. Establishing the school from the ground up in 2007, both Mr. and Mrs. Pachauri expressed their desire to celebrate childhood and education. In my brief yet insightful interaction with them, I gained profound understanding into the minds of individuals committed to selfless service and the innovative approaches they bring to the educational realm.

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Inside story of cricket betting from a man who works for a cricket betting site

Gujarat, People / Asutosh

Cricket betting, a pervasive issue deeply entrenched for ages, continues to cast a shadow over the world of sports. The sheer magnitude of this problem raises significant questions about its longevity, even in the face of stringent measures aimed at curbing illegal activities. Despite numerous cases being exposed each year and some operations attempting to cloak themselves in legality while skirting the rules, the cricket betting industry shows no signs of abating. As a fervent cricket enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the inner workings of this complex business—how it operates, the people involved, and its persistent influence on the game.

During my extensive All India cycle tour, fortune favored me as I crossed paths with Mr. Vardha Sinh Rajput from Suigam district in Gujarat. He provided me with a window into the world of cricket betting by sharing insights into the functioning of a betting firm based in Dubai, masterminded by the notorious Tommy Patel Unjha, a wanted criminal in our country. Engaging in conversation with Mr. Rajput shed light on how these individuals have devised methods to conduct their operations from Dubai, capitalizing on the differing regulatory landscape in comparison to India.

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What goes on in the mind of a person who decides to build a temple in India?

Gujarat, People / Asutosh

India is a land where temples echo with centuries of spirituality and devotion. Over the annals of time, kings and rulers have commissioned the construction of an astonishing multitude of temples, each bearing testament to the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. Even today, this sacred tradition endures, with new temples continuing to grace our landscapes. In the bygone era, these temples stood as veritable hubs of culture and knowledge, nurturing education in its myriad forms.

Through my modest experiences and observations, I have gleaned that the task of building temples is often shouldered by the affluent, a form of fulfilling one’s Dharma and contributing to the community. During my extensive cycling expedition across the expanse of India, I had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary individual Hamir Bhai Gangaji Parmar, a vibrant 62-year-old visionary. Nestled in the remote desert village of Suigam in Gujarat, an arid land devoid of lush vegetation and ample water, Hamir Sir is leading the construction of a temple dedicated to Mogol Ma, a revered goddess in the region.

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Things I got to learn travelling Gujarat on a cycle

Gujarat, State summary / Asutosh

Traveling in is an immersive journey that unveils the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty this Indian state has to offer. From the bustling streets of Ahmedabad to the tranquil white desert of Kutch where the moonlight illuminates the salt flats, every day is a new adventure. Gujarat’s diverse cuisine is a highlight, with mouthwatering dishes like dhokla and fafda to savor. As you venture further, you’ll encounter the architectural marvels of Somnath and a number of Jain temples, each with its own unique story. The diverse ethnicity of Gujarat makes the extended stay in Gujarat a truly memorable and heartwarming experience.

During my extensive all-India cycling expedition, I had the privilege of exploring Gujarat for a remarkable period of one and a half months. Over this time, I encountered a diverse array of people across three distinct regions within the state: Saurashtra, the colossal district of Kutch, and the remainder of Gujarat. In this article, I aim to encapsulate my observations and insights from my travels through this culturally rich state while striving to maintain objectivity. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that my mode of travel and interactions with the locals inherently introduce a level of subjectivity to my perspective, so please consider this account with a degree of critical reflection.

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How is the life of an individual who has pursued ghost hunting as a profession in YouTube?

Gujarat, People / Asutosh

Ghost hunting videos on YouTube have gained significant popularity in recent years. These captivating videos showcase individuals and paranormal investigators embarking on eerie and suspenseful journeys to uncover supernatural phenomena. Viewers are drawn to these videos as they provide a window into the mysterious world of the paranormal, with ghost hunters capturing potential evidence of spirits or unexplained occurrences. These videos offer a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a hint of fear, making them a fascinating subgenre on YouTube, where audiences can vicariously experience the thrill of the unknown from the safety of their screens. Whether it’s exploring haunted locations, analyzing strange sounds, or sharing spine-tingling encounters, ghost hunting videos continue to captivate and intrigue a global audience of paranormal enthusiasts.

During my extensive cycling tour across India, I had the privilege of crossing paths with Mr. Kamal Sharma, the mastermind behind the YouTube channel known as KP History Official. With an impressive subscriber count of 1.38 lakh and a dedicated team of four professionals committed to creating captivating videos, Kamal offered me invaluable insights into the intricate world of ghost hunting and the meticulous efforts that fuel this fascinating endeavor.

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The dying art of Indian traditional medicines and the community – Nai Samaj

Gujarat, People / Asutosh

In the era of universally accepted Western medicine, traditional remedies that have been administered for centuries have dwindled in significance. Fewer people turn to these traditional treatments due to their lengthy healing processes and skepticism stemming from contemporary research. Despite the declining usage of traditional medicine, there are communities, like the Nai Samaj, who continue to uphold these practices, providing a glimmer of hope for their preservation.

During my all India cycling journey, I had the privilege of meeting Harish Bhai Surani, a member of the Nai Samaj community, originally barbers who have been prescribing local remedies for generations. Harish shared that his community has historically treated royalty and nobility with these traditional medicines. Although their use is declining, some community members still adhere to these practices. Through a brief conversation at Harish’s traditional salon, which he runs alongside his two sons, I gained insights into the preservation of Indian traditional medicine, its decline over time, and the perspective of community members regarding its usage.

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How can one afford humanity without money?

Gujarat, People / Asutosh

Humanity’s reach extends far beyond the confines of our own species, encompassing the entire animal kingdom. This extension is rooted in our shared planet and the intricate web of life that connects us all. It’s a recognition that animals, like us, can experience pain, pleasure, and a range of emotions. In our pursuit of empathy and compassion, we strive to protect and preserve the well-being of animals, acknowledging that their existence holds intrinsic value. Whether it’s in our efforts to conserve endangered species, provide humane treatment for livestock, or rescue and care for abandoned pets, we demonstrate that our humanity is not confined to humans alone. It’s a broader commitment to the interconnectedness of life and a testament to our capacity for kindness, stewardship, and moral responsibility toward the diverse creatures that share this planet with us.

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