A Night Under the Stars: My First Camping Experience in Sonmarg Year 2009
In 2009, during my month-long adventure and self-discovery journey across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, Along with TravelGuru colleague Dhole Sir and his Friend, we spend a mesmerising camping night under the stars in the serene Sonmarg Valley. Known as the Meadow of Gold, this destination wasn’t originally on our itinerary but quickly became an unforgettable…
A Frozen Journey to Drass: India’s Gateway to Ladakh Year 2009
In 1999, the names Tiger Hill, Kargil, and Drass became etched into every Indian’s memory as the nation united during the Kargil War. These places were no longer distant, unknown terrains but symbols of resilience and sacrifice. Growing up amidst these stories of valor, I felt an inexplicable connection to the region. A decade later,…
How Swades Movie Inspired My Soul-Searching bike Journey Year 2009
In the early 2000s, our generation, like many others, was deeply inspired by the dream of working for multinational companies, going abroad, and making a comfortable living. Coming from small towns and villages in India, many of us had bigger aspirations—not just for personal success but for contributing to the country’s growth. For people like…
A Journey of Brotherhood and Nature: Visiting Mohad Kareli’s Nursery Year 2009
In 2009, during a period of self-reflection, I found myself back in my home village, Mohad Kareli, in Madhya Pradesh. While reconnecting with my roots, I had the opportunity to visit a newly built nursery, which was equipped with everything needed to nurture a variety of plants. This nursery stands as a testament to the…
Nana’s Farm and Life Lessons: Journey of Soul Searching in Mohad Year 2009
In 2009, during a period of soul-searching, for some time I found myself in my home village, Mohad Kareli, Madhya Pradesh, reconnecting with the simplicity of rural life. One of the fondest memories was spending time on my Nana’s (grandfather’s) farmland. Nana, a well-known English teacher in the village, and my cousin brother, Piyush (Monu),…
Warmth and Wisdom: Conversations by the Bonfire in Mohad Village Year 2009
Winter in rural India brings a unique charm, as the days grow shorter and everyone seeks warmth in the cozy embrace of bonfires (angithi). In 2009, I found myself reminiscing about my childhood while documenting one such winter evening at my village home in Mohad, Kareli, Madhya Pradesh. My Nana, a well-known English teacher, and…
Bajaj Avenger in Mohad: Biker Motorcycle diary Year 2009
In 2009, during a period of self-discovery, I embarked on a biking journey across India on my Bajaj Avenger, ultimately reaching my home village of Mohad Kareli in Madhya Pradesh to reconnect with my roots. At that time, the idea of a solo biker traveling such long distances from Delhi was almost unheard of, especially…
A Royal Gift: Gifting a Mahindra Thar to My Father on His Special Day Year 2014
One of the most cherished memories of my life is the day I gifted a Mahindra Thar to my parents, particularly for my father’s birthday. My sister and I had been planning this surprise for nearly six months, ensuring that the delivery of the Thar would coincide with this special day. In 2014, while I…
Towing My Bike: A Unique Experience During the 2013 Maha Kumbh Ride
During my 2013 Maha Kumbh bike ride, I had taken one of the exciting journey from Delhi to Allahabad, Panna, Khajuraho, and finally reached Maihar to meet my college friend Amit Pateriya. After covering such a long distance, my trusty Avenger bike gave up just as I reached my friend Amit’s home in Maihar. The…
A Spiritual Detour: My 2013 Maha Kumbh Journey Through Varanasi Ghats
In 2013, while on a bike ride to Allahabad (Prayagraj) for the Maha Kumbh, I made an unforgettable detour to Varanasi after visiting my father at the Sirmour hydro plant in Rewa. The ghats of Varanasi, with their ancient steps leading down to the sacred Ganga, are an iconic sight, though the unclean state of…
Vibrant Holi Celebrations: Capturing the Essence of Sarni’s Festivity Year 2014
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India, symbolizing Unity and the Triumph of good over evil. The Holi celebration in Sarni, the Electricity Hub of Madhya Pradesh, stands out as a profound memory from my hometown. This festival brings together families, friends, and neighbors as they throw…
Holi Dahan: Embracing Tradition and Togetherness in Sarni Yea 2014
Holi Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, marks the vibrant beginning of the joyous Holi festival in India. Celebrated a day before the main festivities, Holi Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil, drawing on the timeless legend of Holika and Prahlad. As the sun sets, bonfires are lit, casting a warm glow that…
Counting Bogies: Rediscovering Simple Pleasures at Railway Crossings Yr 2012
I have found myself stuck at railway crossings countless times, waiting for trains to pass before I could continue my journey. Sometimes, these moments are filled with fun, but other times, the wait can feel painstakingly long. Growing up in India, these experiences were common and part of everyday life. However, as I transitioned into…
Embracing the Wait: Life at Ghoradongri Railway Station Yr 2012
I have spent countless hours waiting at railway stations, much like millions of other Indians who rely on the Indian Railways as their daily lifeline. For those of us whose hometown stations have fewer train stoppages, the wait can be long and tedious. Passing the time often becomes a creative challenge—whether it’s watching fellow commuters,…
Train Travel in India: 2012 Train Journey from Ghoradogri to Nagpur
In India, the railway system is the lifeline for millions, connecting cities and villages alike. I have traveled hundreds of times by train, each journey taking me to new destinations and creating countless memories. In 2012, while en route to Nagpur from my hometown station, Ghoradogri, I captured some surreal moments that reflect the essence…
Riding the Change: Exploring Bhopal’s BRTS and Urban Growth Year 2013
Bhopal underwent significant transformation by 2013, a stark contrast to the city I knew during my 11th and 12th-grade years at Maharishi Vidya Mandir from 2000-2002. One of the most prominent developments was the introduction of the Bhopal Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). This modern public transportation system, with its dedicated lanes and state-of-the-art infrastructure,…
Bonding Over Chai and Rain: Monsoon Moments at Peoplestrong, Gurgaon Year 2013
In Gurgaon, the monsoon season often brings long, heavy showers that can be both refreshing and calming if you find yourself in the right place. One of my fondest memories of this season is from my time at Peoplestrong, located in Sector 34, Gurgaon. Every day, my colleague Julfiker and I would take a break…
High-Speed Thrills: A Heart-Pounding Reverse Bungee Adventure Year 2013
In 2013, Kingdom of Dreams introduced an exhilarating experience that took thrill-seekers by storm—High-Speed Reverse Bungee Jumping. This high-adrenaline adventure sport, the first of its kind in India, offers a heart-pounding mix of speed, height, and excitement. It’s hard to describe the rush of being hurled into the sky at over 150 km/h in mere…
Product Keh Ke Denge: A Satirical Take on Tech Challenges at Peoplestrong Video Competition Year 2013
At Peoplestrong, beyond the innovative work of building world class HR tech solutions from India, we were always engaged in fun activities as part of the HR initiative. These events not only allowed us to recharge and bond but also contributed to maintaining good mental health, which was essential for staying productive and focused in…
Graduation Day: Memories of 4th Convocation NIT Rourkela Year 2006
On 16 December 2006, The NIT Rourkela 4th convocation was a momentous occasion brimming with excitement, as we gathered to celebrate the culmination of our hard work—our B.Tech degrees (Batch 2004-06). We are the pioneering batch of NIT Rourkela (formerly REC Rourkela, which became NIT in 2002), entering the campus in 2002 and hence being…
