Things I got to learn travelling Rajhasthan on a cycle10/10/2023
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. …
- How does one become a celebrity manager in India and what goes behind it?
08/10/2023
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. …
- What it takes to become a local wall painting artist in a village?
07/10/2023
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. …
- How is the life of Manganiyar community people who sing folk and Sufi music in Rajhasthan?
28/09/2023
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. …
- How is the life of the blacksmith – Gadia lohar community people in India?
26/09/2023
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. …
- Desert to dreams: how a school is transforming the life of children in Barmer, Rajasthan
23/09/2023
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. …
