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Growing up, visiting my father’s workplace was always a fascinating adventure. As a child, I frequently accompanied him to the Sarni Power Plant on rugged Rajdoot motorcycle, marveling at the massive machinery and relishing hearty meals at the plant’s canteen. Those visits weren’t just about seeing where my father spent his days but also about…
Spending a day at the Sirmour Hydro Electric Plant with my father in 2013 was like stepping back into the cherished memories of my childhood visits to the Sarni Power Plant. Growing up, I would eagerly accompany my father on his Rajdoot motorcycle to the plant, marveling at his work and savoring meals at the…
In 2013, I embarked on a memorable biking adventure along with Alok Gautam (NIT Rourkela Colleague) to Khajuraho, reliving India’s historical richness and cultural vibrancy along the way. Khajuraho, with its intricate temples and profound artistry, crowned the experience, blending spiritual energy with human creativity on stones. The journey to Khajuraho wasn’t just a sightseeing…
In 2009, during my soul-searching bike trip, I had the privilege of revisiting Newton, my father’s hometown, known for its historic coal mines. This English-named town owes its title to an English surveyor, Newton, who worked there during the British colonial coal mining era. My grandparents spent their lives working in these coal mines, and…
During my 2009 soul-searching bike trip, I revisited Newton, my father’s coal mining hometown, a place steeped in history and personal connections. Newton, named after an English surveyor, was once a bustling coal town where my grandparents worked and my father spent his formative years. I relived childhood memories as I attended a family relative…
In 2009, my self exploration journey took me to the humble yet impactful beginning Baal Mandir elementary schools in my hometown Madhya Pradesh, a visit that remains etched in my heart. It was a place that had once been the cradle of my own childhood, and revisiting it after so many years felt like a…
In 2009, during soul search avenger bike trip back to Sarni, Madhya Pradesh, where I spent my childhood, turned into an unforgettable bike ride to the breathtaking Satpura Tawa Dam with my old friend Krishna. This journey during Diwali wasn’t just about revisiting places but about reliving memories etched in time. The winding roads through…
Sarni, Madhya Pradesh, has always been a cherished part of my life, a place where my childhood was enriched by its natural beauty and profound spirituality. Among its treasures is the majestic Ram Mandir, perched on the highest ground in the town, offering a panoramic view that connects the heavens with the earth. As children,…
In 2009, during a heartfelt journey to Mohad Kareli’s nursery, I experienced a deep connection to nature and brotherhood, all beautifully captured in photographs. The Nursery visit showcased the vibrant nature filled with blooming roses, thriving fruit plants, and sustainable greenery, symbolizing the village’s development. Riding with my cousin and exploring the lush surroundings brought…
Year 2013 was a spiritual milestone in my life, marked by an unforgettable bike ride during India’s Maha-kumbh, a grand festival celebrated every 12 years. Maha-kumbh always felt mythical to me, a setting from countless movies where brothers separated in the crowded fairs. For 9-10 days, I explored historical and spiritual places, with each destination…
In 2013, during my spiritual bike ride inspired by the Maha-kumbh, I explored Panna, a place renowned for its Tiger Reserve and legendary diamond mines. Thanks to my friend Alok Gautam and his brother in NDMC, I had the rare opportunity to visit these iconic mines, a childhood dream come true. The adventure unfolded as…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…