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…
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…
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…
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,…
Memories of Farming: The Bullock and The Field – Year 2009
In 2009, I had the opportunity to spend one of the most cherished times of my life with my Nana and my brother Monu on our family farmland. It was during this period that I first experienced ploughing the land with a bullock, a practice that was still common among farmers who couldn’t afford tractors.…
Vivid Memories of Mohad: A Village Close to My Heart Year 2009
Mohad, a small village near Kareli in the Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I was born and spent countless summer vacations with my Nana and Nani, creating cherished childhood memories. In 2009, I revisited this serene village during one of my nomadic journeys on my Bajaj…
Sarni Lakha Banjara Hanuman Mandir Year 2012
The Lakha Banjara Hanuman Mandir in Sarni holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing the profound connection between faith and fulfillment. This temple is particularly meaningful for my family, as my father had his wish granted during his time at Sarni’s Power Plant. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple is filled with divine energy,…
Lakha Banjara Hanuman Mandir Sarni: Year 2009
Nestled in the spiritual embrace of Sarni, Madhya Pradesh, the Lakha Banjara Hanuman Mandir stands as a powerful symbol of faith and fulfillment. Surrounded by the serenity of nature, this sacred temple has long been a place where devotees seek solace and strength. The air is thick with divine energy, and prayers offered here resonate…
Sarni’s Power Plant: Through the Lens of Timeless Memories
Most of my childhood was spent in Sarni, a quaint town known for its massive electric power plant, the Tawa Dam Reservoir, and the stunning Satpura Hills, especially the revered Mathar Dev. From 2009 to 2012, I had several opportunities to document the power plant and its surroundings through the lens of my camera. These…
Sarni Sabji Bazaar: Down the Memory Lane Year 2010
Nestled in the heart of Sarni, Madhya Pradesh, a key electricity hub, lies the lively Sunday Sabji Bazaar, a bustling vegetable market that pulses with local commerce and vibrant community spirit. In 2010, I had the chance to revisit this beloved place with my father, rekindling cherished childhood memories of our weekend trips to capture…
Maa Sharda Devi Maihar : Echoes of Devotion Year 2013
In 2013, I embarked on one of the longest and most memorable bike rides of my life, spanning nearly two weeks. My journey took me through the spiritual atmosphere of Mahakumbh, the serene landscapes of Rewa and Panna, the sacred town of Maihar, and finally, the peaceful Sirmour. It was in Maihar that I had…
Biking Through History: Memorable Ride to Khajuraho Year 2013
In 2013, after the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the grand Mahakumbh in Allahabad, I found myself on another adventure in Satna, visiting a close friend. It was during this visit that a spark of excitement ignited within me—a spontaneous bike trip to Khajuraho on my trusted Bajaj Avenger. With my college friend Alok Gautam by…
Super D 429 MPEB Colony Sarni: Childhood 20 Years of Memories
Super D 429 in MPEB Colony, Sarni, holds a special place in my heart, filled with memories that span over two decades of my life. This home witnessed my childhood adventures, where I experienced the pure joys of growing up, building lifelong friendships, and facing the challenges that come with adolescence. The neighborhood came alive…
Nostalgic Thrills: Downhill Bike Ride Sarni Year 2009
The exhilarating downhill bike rides in my hometown of Sarni hold a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories of carefree childhood adventures. Back then, my friends and I would hop onto our bicycles, eager to explore the rugged terrain of Matar Dev Hills. The highlight of these rides was the journey to the…
