After traversing 1100 kilometers from Delhi to my hometown, Sarni, I was ready to embark on the next leg of my journey—this time to reconnect with my Nana, Nani, Mama, Mami, and other beloved relatives. My destination was the serene Satpura region of Madhya Pradesh, a place that holds deep roots for me. With excitement,…
I’ve always found solace in the simple yet rich experiences of village life in Mohad, Madhya Pradesh. One place that has always fascinated me is a small jaggery factory that springs to life after the sugarcane harvest. In 2015, I had the opportunity to visit a relative’s farm nearby with my cousin brother Monu, and…
In my village of Mohad, we once had a gobar gas plant at our home, a symbol of sustainability and rural innovation. I had the chance to document its operation twice—once in 2009 and again in 2014—capturing the benefits it brought to our household. However, as LPG gas became more prevalent, gobar gas began to…
The rainy season in Sarni transforms this small town into a breathtaking haven, where nature reveals its most enchanting side. As raindrops gently kiss the earth, the lush greenery of the Satpura hills comes alive, turning the landscape into a vibrant paradise. The once dusty roads glisten with moisture, and the soft, rhythmic patter of…
During my childhood, some of the best moments were spent by the tranquil waters of the Satpura Dam reservoir. The serene beauty of the reservoir, framed by the towering Satpura ranges, made it a perfect retreat for adventure and reflection. In 2010, my friend Krishna and I decided to relive those treasured memories. We returned…
Sarni, home to the majestic thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh, also holds a special place in my heart as the town where I spent my childhood. In 2010, during a Diwali visit, I took the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend, Krishna, and together, we revisited some of our most cherished memories by…
In 2009, I seized every opportunity to visit nearby schools, experiences that not only rekindled my own childhood memories but also filled me with hope for India’s future. Many of these visits were in Madhya Pradesh, where my relatives teach and introduced me to incredible young talents. I learned of student’s and teacher’s trek up…
I spent most of my childhood at the foothills of Mathar Dev, MPEB colony in Sarni, Madhya Pradesh. In Sarni, the rain falls like a steady stream, and on rainy days, it’s nearly impossible to step outside without getting soaked. In 2009, during a journey of self-exploration, I had the opportunity to trek Mathar Dev…
During my 2009 bike ride through the rural landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, I witnessed firsthand the government’s visionary initiatives aimed at transforming education and living conditions in the countryside. As I passed through villages where model schools were being established, I saw how these institutions represented more than just educational centers; they were symbols of…
In Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River is far more than a flowing body of water; it is revered as a living goddess, intertwined with the spiritual lives of those who reside along its sacred banks. Every year, thousands of devotees gather at Burman Ghat, a revered site along the Narmada, to partake in age-old rituals…
India is a land steeped in ancient history, rich in cultural diversity and spirituality. One such place is Sanchi, where the Great Stupas from Ashoka’s era exude a serene vibe. During my 2009 bike journey from Bhopal, I had the chance to visit Sanchi once again. The Sanchi Stupas are a key part of the…
In the heart of India, amidst the tranquil landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, lies my village Mohad, where tradition and culture intertwine seamlessly with everyday life. One such vibrant thread in the fabric of our village is the Madhai festival, a celebration that remains etched in my memory from the year 2015. As I captured this…
In 2009, I found myself atop Matar Dev Hill, amidst the serenity of the Satpura Hills, marked a profound chapter in my journey of peace and spiritual discovery. Nestled in the heart of this tranquil wilderness, the Temple of Matar Dev Baba stood as a timeless symbol of solace, offering a place to reconnect with…
In 2009, Standing atop Mathar Dev Hill in the heart of the Satpura range, I gazed down at a view that seamlessly blended human ambition with nature’s timeless beauty. The Sarni Electricity Plant, sprawling across the landscape below, seemed almost unreal—a vast expanse of industrial might nestled within the rugged hills and lush greenery that…
Embarking on a trek through the breathtaking rainforest of Mathar Dev Hill in Satpura National Park was nothing short of an exhilarating adventure into the heart of untouched wilderness. In 2009, As I set foot on the rugged trails, the towering trees formed a lush canopy above, creating a natural cathedral of greenery. The air…
Sarni, my small hometown, gifted me a rare chance to immerse myself in the untouched wilderness during a memorable bike ride and trek to Mathardev Mountain. It was the rainy season of 2009, and the Satpura hills were draped in lush greenery, their beauty magnified by the mist and gentle rains. Riding up to the…
Returning to my hometown of Sarni during the Diwali holidays always fills me with nostalgia, but one particular memory stands out from 2011—a day spent capturing the lively essence of the local vegetable market, the Sabji Bazaar. Nestled in the heart of Sarni, this market, though tucked away in the remote reaches of Madhya Pradesh,…
In the autumn of 2011, I set out on a bike journey from Jabalpur to the magical locale of Bedaghat Dhuadhar, a place that had long captured my imagination. Riding my Bajaj Avenger, the excitement of the open road and the promise of nature’s grandeur kept my spirits high. As I navigated the rugged terrain,…
In the summer of 2010, I embarked on a thrilling journey that would leave an indelible mark on my soul—riding through the breathtaking landscapes of the Satpura Hills in Madhya Pradesh on my trusty Bajaj Avenger 200cc. As I kicked the engine to life and began my adventure along State Highway 19, the world around…
In 2010, I found myself stepping back into the world of Baal Mandir, the elementary school where my earliest memories of learning and wonder were born. It was a place that had once been the cradle of my own childhood, and revisiting it after so many years felt like a journey back to a simpler…