Asutosh, Author at Cycle Tour India

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

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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How is the life of an individual who is a part of the Swadhyaya Parivar

4 Comments / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

Pandurang Shastri Athavale was a renowned figure who founded the Swadhyaya movement, a socio-spiritual initiative. Athavale emphasized the practice of self-study (Swadhyaya) as a means of personal and societal transformation. The movement aimed to empower individuals through introspection, fostering values such as compassion, humility, and unity. Pandurang Shastri Athavale believed that Swadhyaya could bring positive change to individuals and communities, promoting holistic personal development and social welfare. The Swadhyaya movement gained widespread recognition and inspired people to engage in self-reflection, community service, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Since 1978, more than a lakh villages and over 35 countries have been spread the word of Geeta during the Swadhyaya movement by the Swadhyaya family (Parivar). Today, millions of Seadyayees continue to spread the word with a common mission to see a universal brotherhood and spread the message of Bhagvadgeeta to every last person.

During my all-India cycle tour, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Raju Dixit, whose life had been profoundly impacted by the Swadhyaya Parivar movement initiated by Pandurang Shastri Athavale. Raju sir’s journey is truly remarkable, as he transformed from a misunderstood and unwise young person, scorned by society, to a highly respected individual within his community, all thanks to the decades of social work he had undertaken through the Swadhyaya movement.

Engaging in a conversation with Raju sir, I came to realize the immense influence that philosophies and ideologies can have on our lives. It became evident how such principles can uplift a person from a state of confusion and aimlessness to a life filled with purpose and clarity. Through my discussions with Mr. Raju Dixit, I gained a deeper understanding of the mindset fostered by socio-spiritual movements like Swadhyaya, and the profound impact they can have on one’s life.

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How is the life of a national highway bar and restaurant owner in India

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

Often, as we travel, we come across numerous bars lining the national highways. It’s natural for us to ponder upon the owners of these establishments and form an impression that they are profiting at the expense of people’s well-being. We might perceive them as inconsiderate, perhaps even lacking empathy, showing little regard for those around them.

During my cycling tour across India, an intriguing encounter awaited me as I was flagged down by a roadside bar owner, gesturing if I required water. I decided to stop and engage in a conversation with him. This exchange shattered my preconceived notions about the typical persona associated with bar owners. Sagar Jaiswal a 25 year young individual proved to be compassionate and displayed genuine concern for those in need. Through our dialogue, I gained valuable insights into the realities of running a bar in India and the inner workings of a bar owner’s mindset.

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Life of an individual who converted a drought prone village to a prosperous and green model village – Popatrao Pawar

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

Born in 1960 in the small village of Hiware Bajar in Maharashtra, Popatrao Baguji Pawar has experienced the hardships of three droughts that occurred in 1972, 1977, and 1981. Despite being one of the few educated individuals in his village, having completed his BCom in Ahmednagar, he never envisioned himself as a leader. However, fate had other plans for him when he was unexpectedly appointed as the sarpanch of the village in 1990, mainly due to his education.

Popatrao Baguji Pawar’s leadership and dedication to his role have been nothing short of remarkable. Under his guidance, the village has thrived to such an extent that elections have not been held since 1990. The most recent elections in 2021 arose out of political interests, and Popatrao Pawar won with an overwhelming 96% of the votes. This remarkable statistic speaks volumes about the trust and support he has earned from the villagers.

The village of Hiware Bajar, surrounded by hills on three sides, faced a severe water scarcity issue. However, with Popatrao Pawar’s expertise in irrigation development, the fate of the villagale has been completely transformed. Today, the village not only has access to drinking water but also boasts ample water resources, a result of his efforts to revitalize rural water resources.

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