Asutosh, Author at Cycle Tour India

What it takes to become an Rj more than possessing the ability to speak?

To become a radio jockey (RJ), one generally need to have strong communication skills, a pleasant and engaging voice, creativity, and a good understanding of the content that is going to be presented. Many RJs start by gaining experience at local or community radio stations, working on their presentation skills, and building a portfolio. Formal education in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field can definitely aid the process, but practical experience and networking within the industry are crucial. Beyond all this, one needs to possess the innate instincts to want to speak and want to speak in a way people want to hear them speak.

During my all India cycling expedition, I had the honor of crossing paths with Sampoorn Shukla, an adept freelance anchor with an illustrious 7-year career. Notably, he lent his voice to various platforms, including a commendable 4.5-year stint with All India Radio (AIR), spanning from 2018 to 2023. Over this period, he masterfully guided audiences through more than a thousand events nationwide, even gracing the stage for a momentous occasion hosting the Prime Minister during the Rashtriya Poshan Saptaah.

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Things I got to learn touring Madhya Pradesh on a cycle for 40 days

1 Comment / Madhya Pradesh, People, State summary / Asutosh

Madhya Pradesh, the second largest state in India in terms of land area, presents an interesting contrast with regard to population diversity, ranking fifth. This indicates a sparser population spread across a larger space. The state boasts vast forests and open lands, adding to its unique charm. Due to its substantial size, Madhya Pradesh’s cultural diversity cannot be easily encapsulated.

During my 40-day all India cycle tour through Madhya Pradesh, I journeyed from the far west to the far east, revealing a clear divide into two halves. The western half, from Jabalpur to Bhopal, and the eastern half, from Bhopal to the Gujarat border, exhibit distinctive cultural differences, akin to experiencing two different states.

As an impartial observer during my travels, I noted these observations, acknowledging that my perspective may contain some subjectivity. Please take these insights with a grain of salt.

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The going to be first beggar free city in India – Bareli

8 Comments / Madhya Pradesh, People / Asutosh

India has grappled with the pervasive issue of rampant begging, a deeply entrenched social problem that affects the country’s urban and rural areas alike. The sight of impoverished individuals, including children and elderly, pleading for alms on busy streets, markets, and religious sites, is distressingly common. Rooted in a complex interplay of poverty, unemployment, lack of social support, and limited access to education and healthcare, begging in India reflects the stark socioeconomic disparities and challenges faced by marginalized communities. While various government and non-governmental initiatives strive to address this distressing phenomenon, the sheer scale and complexity of the issue continue to demand sustained efforts to provide vulnerable populations with viable alternatives and support systems.

During my all India cycle tour, I had the incredible opportunity to encounter an inspiring NGO dedicated to eradicating begging in an entire city. Founded as Team Pahal, this organization began with a group of passionate individuals united by a common cause: serving the underprivileged. Their unwavering motivation continues to drive them as they work tirelessly to make a difference. I learned that their success is rooted in well-defined core ideologies, selflessness, and collaborative team efforts, with each member sharing similar principles. Describing the sheer brilliance and dynamic essence of this organization is a daunting task, as their good deeds surpass any praise I can offer. Nevertheless, I will attempt to encapsulate their remarkable work in this article.

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How can an international wrestlers be made in a small villages of 500 people?

Madhya Pradesh, People / Asutosh

For a wrestler from a village can rise to international recognition, there should be access to proper training facilities, even if it means starting with limited resources in their village. Finding a knowledgeable coach or mentor who can provide guidance and technical expertise is crucial. More than anything, a dedicated and passionate individual must emerge with a strong desire to excel in the sport.

During my all-India cycle tour, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Saurav Yadav, an exceptional 18-year-old wrestler hailing from the humble village of Mangeli in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district. With a population of merely 500, Mangeli may be small, but it has produced a remarkable talent. Saurav’s prowess in the wrestling arena is undeniable, having garnered multiple national awards and establishing himself as the reigning champion in the 60 kg category throughout Madhya Pradesh. His unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence aim to bring glory to India by securing a medal in the international stage. Through my interactions with Saurav, I gained profound insights into the sacrifices, challenges, and extraordinary mindset that propels an individual from a disadvantaged village background towards the pursuit of international recognition.

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Life of an individual who runs a prostitution bus iness by the national highway dhaba

Madhya Pradesh, People / Asutosh

Prostitution is an unfortunate reality that exists in various forms and settings across the world, and India is no exception. One particular context where this issue is observed is in the vicinity of highway dhabas, which are roadside eateries commonly found along major highways in the country. These dhabas, serving as pit stops for weary truck riders, sometimes become the backdrop for illicit activities, including prostitution.

During my all-India cycle tour, a fascinating encounter with Miss Rekha Takkur, the owner of a dhaba located along the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway in Madhya Pradesh, shed light on the complex world of highway dhaba prostitution. Contrary to my preconceived notions, Miss Takkur defied the stereotypes associated with this illicit business. Through our conversation, I came to understand that her involvement in the trade was not a mere result of opportunism, but rather a culmination of life experiences that shaped her resilience and perspective. It became apparent that external influences and personal circumstances played a significant role in shaping the character of someone who could openly operate in this controversial industry, with Miss Takkur firmly asserting that prostitution was a consensual activity between willing participants and that she merely acted as a mediator between two parties. This encounter challenged my preconceptions and highlighted the complex dynamics underlying highway dhaba prostitution.

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Life of an individual who committed the first and the quickest bank robbery in India

Madhya Pradesh, People / Asutosh

Bank robbery is a serious criminal act only few people dare to undertake. These incidents involve armed individuals or groups who meticulously plan their operations to bypass security measures and gain access to the vaults. There is a particular mindset that the individual must have in order to take up such daring heists.

During my all India cycle tour, I had a memorable encounter with Glen Paul and Anglo Indian, who provided me with valuable insights into the realities of life behind bars and the motivations that drive individuals to resort to extreme measures such as bank robbery. Glen, who orchestrated the historic heist at the State Bank of India in Jabalpur on the 13th of March, 1982, has been a fighter throughout his life. This remarkable event marked India’s first bank robbery and was executed swiftly within a mere 2.5 minutes. As he narrated his life’s journey, Glen described how he overcame various challenges, breaking his experiences into distinct fragments, each demonstrating his unwavering resilience and fighting spirit. His tales were both captivating and thought-provoking, shedding light on the complexity of human choices and the enduring nature of his own resilience.

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Life of an individual who has spent 20 years in jail and wishes to do community service

1 Comment / Madhya Pradesh, People / Asutosh

Rehabilitation after 20 years in prison for committing murder is an arduous journey of self-reflection, redemption, and reintegration. Emerging into a world that has changed drastically, it is a disorienting experience, as one tries to reconcile the person they were with the person they have become. The process is riddled with mixed emotions, ranging from regret and guilt to hope and determination. Rebuilding shattered relationships and earning back the trust of loved ones is a delicate process, while navigating the complexities of a society that views them with skepticism and stigma requires unwavering resilience.

During my all India cycle tour, I had the opportunity to meet Dilip Jadia, a remarkable 50-year-old man who had spent 20 years in prison after being acquitted for committing murder. Inside those prison walls, he dedicated himself to self-improvement, tirelessly pursuing his education and obtaining degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Laws. Upon his release, Dilip turned to prayer and found solace in embracing family life, having married and becoming a father to a 10-month-old baby. However, what truly fascinated me about him was his desire to contribute to society through community service by aspiring to become the Sarpanch of Bargi village. Intrigued by his perspective, I engaged in conversation with Dilip, gaining invaluable insights into the mindset of an individual who has not only transformed his own life but also seeks to make a positive impact in the lives of others through rehabilitation and community service.

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Inside story of an underprivileged individual whose life changed drastically on joining SLUM SOCCER

Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

NGO organizations dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children have witnessed transformative impacts on numerous lives. While each organization operates in its own distinctive manner, most rely on fundraising efforts to support their cause. Among these organizations, one based in Nagpur city, Maharashtra, has gained recognition for its innovative approach to empowering children through education and sports, known as “slum soccer.” Founded by Mr. Vijay Barse, Slum Soccer utilizes football as a means to engage children in a sport that not only steers them away from negative activities but also facilitates their access to education. The organization’s remarkable impact has garnered attention to the extent that a film titled ‘Jhund,’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan, has been produced, shedding light on their inspiring work.

During my all-India cycle tour, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Pankaj Mahajan, who serves as a manager at the Slum Soccer campus in Nagpur. Pankaj is involved with two remarkable projects, namely “Under the Wings Pitch for Progress” and “Shakti Girls,” which focus on using football as a means to promote the overall well-being of children and empower women.

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What you can get to learn from travelling the entire stretch of Maharashtra on a cycle

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People, State summary / Asutosh

Travelling in Maharashtra offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the state’s vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and historical heritage. Maharashtra is a treasure trove of experiences that teaches the importance of diversity, history, and the beauty that lies within its people and landscapes.

During my unforgettable journey through Maharashtra as part of an all-India cycle tour, I was fortunate to gather a myriad of personal experiences that shaped my perspective on this diverse state. It is important to note that the views I present in this article are subjective and based solely on my own encounters. I do not assert that they are universally accurate, as each individual’s experiences can vary significantly. While I strived to comprehend the state’s culture with minimal bias, it is inevitable that certain biases may persist. Nonetheless, I am excited to share my unique insights and reflections from traversing Maharashtra, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and individuality of these encounters.

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How is the life of a semi-professional cyclist in India?

2 Comments / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

Cycling is a budding sport in India, but its growth is hindered by a lack of races/events, inadequate training roads, and the high cost of bicycles and maintenance. The expense of cycling equipment is particularly prohibitive, surpassing that of motorcycles. Consequently, many aspiring cyclists, especially financially constrained younger individuals, turn to sponsorship and crowdfunding for support. While the future of cycling in India may appear bleak, there are still passionate individuals who persevere despite the challenges.

During my all-India cycling tour, I had the privilege of meeting Ashish Borkar, a remarkable semi-professional cyclist from Maharashtra. Ashish has not only won multiple local events but also secured a place in the prestigious Limca Book of World Records. Despite facing financial constraints in the past, he managed to excel in various races. One of his recent accomplishments was completing a grueling 3651 km journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as part of a four-member team, astonishingly achieving this feat in just 6 days and 13 hours. I had the opportunity to visit Ashish, stay at his house, and learn about the challenges that talented individuals face in pursuing cycling due to its substantial financial demands.

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