People Archives - Page 2 of 9

Insights into the mind of a female solo traveller in India

Although solo traveling for females is gaining momentum in India, it remains a relatively new concept, often met with skepticism and questioning from others. The challenges faced by women traveling alone in India are numerous, ranging from safety concerns to societal norms. Despite these hurdles, there are brave and adventurous women who choose to embark on solo journeys across the country. The real curiosity lies in understanding what motivates them to take such bold steps when the comfort of home beckons.

As a fellow solo traveler, I found myself pondering these questions, eager to gain insights into the mindset of female solo travelers in India. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Payal Agarwal, an intrepid solo traveler hailing from Kotha, Rajasthan, and currently residing in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. With her extensive experience hitchhiking across nearly half of India on a budget, Payal provided invaluable insights into the initiation, challenges, and motivations of female solo travelers.

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Things I got to learn travelling Telangana on cycle

State summary, Telangana / Asutosh

When a state undergoes division in India, it often heralds a shift in resource allocation, favoring the newly formed state over its parent counterpart. This redistribution of resources typically results in the enhanced development of the newly created state, as it redirects previously allocated funds towards its own welfare and infrastructure. Reflecting on my travels to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, I’ve witnessed these states either surpassing or rapidly approaching the level of development of their parent states.

However, the case of Telangana presents a stark contrast. Despite its separation from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana remains significantly behind in terms of development. Historically, the region governed by the Nizam was left underdeveloped under the Andhra Pradesh regime, making it exceedingly challenging for Telangana to catch up in terms of equitable development.

The linguistic landscape of Telangana, heavily influenced by Urdu, stands out as a prominent differentiator, alongside intricate political dynamics that have both facilitated and hindered the state’s progress post-separation from Andhra Pradesh.

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Things I got to learn travelling Chattisgarh on a cycle

Chattisgarh, State summary / Asutosh

Just as Jharkhand inherited the more prosperous regions of Bihar during the partition in 2000, Chhattisgarh similarly gained the advantageous portions of Madhya Pradesh upon its division. Chhattisgarh stands as one of the nation’s fastest-growing states, endowed with abundant mineral resources including iron, bauxite, limestone, dolomite, coal, and tin. It contributes 15% of the country’s steel production and boasts a surplus of electricity for the state’s needs, a rarity among Indian states. With dense forest cover accounting for 12% of the nation’s total, Chhattisgarh holds significant ecological wealth. During my time in Chhattisgarh, I observed a noticeable disparity in development compared to neighboring Madhya Pradesh. Like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, constituting 30% of the state’s population, surpassing Jharkhand’s 24%. While I acknowledge potential biases stemming from my mode of travel and personal perspective, I have endeavored to minimize them. Should any points raised in this article seem inappropriate or inaccurate, I welcome your feedback in the comments section below.

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How do regional film industries form and rise in India?

1 Comment / Jharkhand, People / Asutosh

India, renowned for its linguistic diversity, boasts over 120 major languages, 270 mother tongues, and a staggering 19,500+ dialects. Within this linguistic tapestry, 22 major film industries thrive, with over 1000+ production organizations spanning the nation. The emergence of YouTube as a platform has significantly contributed to the growth of newer regional film industries in India. Despite the dominance of major film industries, lesser-known production houses operating in local regional languages are quietly flourishing and steadily gaining prominence.

During my extensive cycling tour across India, I had the privilege of interacting with individuals passionately contributing to the formation and growth of the Nagpuri and Khotta film industry, representing the regional language of Jharkhand and various parts of West Bengal. Engaging with a collective of artists, including the emerging Nagpuri/Khotta actor, 23-year-old Badnam Sanam, and the esteemed 26-year-old actor-cum-producer Rahul Kumar Mahato, provided valuable insights into the dynamics of shaping a regional film industry in India. With Jharkhand alone boasting 30 languages, witnessing the rise of a new industry in Nagpuri and Khotta was both captivating and mesmerizing. Exploring the inner workings of this burgeoning industry proved to be enlightening, surprising, and as entertaining as watching one of its films.

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Things I got to learn travelling Jharkhand on a cycle

Jharkhand, State summary / Asutosh

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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