Maharashtra Archives - Cycle Tour India

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

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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The mindset of Maharashtra’s biggest social activist – Anna Hazare

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

Anna Hazare, born on June 15, 1937, is an Indian social activist and anti-corruption crusader. He gained widespread national and international recognition for his efforts in advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance in India. Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption, particularly his hunger strikes, captured the attention of millions and sparked a nationwide anti-corruption movement in 2011.

Anna Hazare, whose real name is Kisan Baburao Hazare, hails from a small village in Maharashtra, India. He served in the Indian Army as a soldier for 15 years before dedicating himself to social activism. Inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Hazare decided to fight against corruption and work for the welfare of the society.

His most prominent campaign, the India Against Corruption movement, gained momentum in 2011 when he went on a hunger strike in New Delhi, demanding the government to implement the Jan Lokpal Bill, which aimed to create an independent ombudsman to investigate corruption cases. The movement attracted massive public support and galvanized people from various walks of life to join the cause.

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NGO for psychologically impacted street dwellers

How is the life of a person who runs a NGO for rescue of psychologically impacted street dwellers?

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

The life of a person who runs an NGO dedicated to rescuing psychologically impacted street dwellers can be both challenging and fulfilling. It requires immense dedication, empathy, and a strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who are vulnerable and marginalized.

During my all India cycle tour, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ravi Bodake, a sociology graduate who has been running the Yashodhan Trust, an NGO dedicated to rescuing psychologically impacted street dwellers, for the past 17 years. Mr. Ravi shared with me the incredible work they have been doing, with over 700 individuals being rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into their respective homes. He proudly mentioned that they have achieved a 100% recovery rate among these patients found on the streets of Maharashtra.

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How is the life of a retired Army officer who runs an organic store for improvement of health in India?

1 Comment / Maharashtra, People / Asutosh

After dedicating years to serving the country, the retired army officer often brings valuable leadership skills, discipline, and a strong work ethic to any venture they step into. They understand the importance of organization, teamwork, and attention to detail, which can contribute to the success of their business. Moreover, their experience in the military might have instilled values such as integrity, perseverance, and resilience, which can be valuable assets in the competitive business world.

During my all India cycle tour, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Hanumant Babaso Mane, a retired Army officer who has ventured into the organic store business with a mission to promote better health in India. His remarkable journey served as an inspiration to many, including myself.

Hanumant Sir’s life story is a testament to his resilience and determination. Coming from a financially disadvantaged background, he faced numerous hardships, including not being able to afford basic necessities like slippers until 12th grade. However, he refused to let his circumstances define him and instead turned his focus towards creating a successful business.

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