top of page

By:

Shoumojit Banerjee

27 August 2024 at 9:57:52 am

Classroom of Courage

In drought-scarred Maharashtra, a couple’s experiment in democratic schooling is turning child beggars into model citizens In the parched stretches of Maharashtra, from Solapur to the drought-hit villages of Marathwada, a modest social experiment has quietly unfolded for nearly two decades. It is neither a grand government scheme nor a corporate-backed charity. Since 2007, the Ajit Foundation, founded by Mahesh and Vinaya Nimbalkar, has worked with children living at the sharpest edges of...

Classroom of Courage

In drought-scarred Maharashtra, a couple’s experiment in democratic schooling is turning child beggars into model citizens In the parched stretches of Maharashtra, from Solapur to the drought-hit villages of Marathwada, a modest social experiment has quietly unfolded for nearly two decades. It is neither a grand government scheme nor a corporate-backed charity. Since 2007, the Ajit Foundation, founded by Mahesh and Vinaya Nimbalkar, has worked with children living at the sharpest edges of society in Maharashtra. The foundation has become a home for out-of-school children, those who have never enrolled, the children of migrant labourers and single parents, and those who scavenge at garbage dumps or drift between odd jobs. To call their foundation an “NGO” is to miss the point. Vinaya Nimbalkar describes it as a “democratic laboratory”, where education is not merely instruction but an initiation into citizenship. The couple were once government schoolteachers with the Solapur Zilla Parishad, leading stable lives. Yet what they witnessed unsettled them: children who had never held a pencil, begging at traffic signals or sorting refuse for a living. Prompted by this reality, the Nimbalkars resigned their jobs to work full-time for the education of such children. Leap of Faith They began modestly, teaching children in migrant settlements in Solapur and using their own salaries to pay small honorariums to activists. Funds soon ran dry, and volunteers drifted away. Forced out of their home because of their commitment to the cause, they started a one-room school where Vinaya, Mahesh, their infant son Srijan and forty children aged six to fourteen lived together as an unlikely family. The experiment later moved to Barshi in the Solapur district with support from Anandvan. Rural hardship, financial uncertainty and the pandemic repeatedly tested their resolve. At one stage, they assumed educational guardianship of nearly 200 children from families that survived by collecting scrap on the village outskirts. Eventually, the foundation relocated to Talegaon Dabhade near Pune, where it now runs a residential hostel. Twenty-five children currently live and study there. The numbers may seem modest, but the ambition is not. Democracy in Practice What distinguishes the Ajit Foundation is not only who it serves but also how it operates. Within its walls, democracy is practised through a Children’s Gram Panchayat and a miniature Municipal Council elected by the children themselves. Young candidates canvass, hold meetings and present their budgets. Children maintain accounts and share decisions about chores, activities and certain disciplinary matters. In a country where democratic culture is often reduced to voting, the foundation’s approach is quietly radical. It treats children from marginalised backgrounds as citizens in formation. The right to choose — whether to focus on sport, cooking, mathematics or cultural activities — is respected. “We try never to take away what is their own,” says Vinaya Nimbalkar. Rather than forcing every child into a uniform academic mould, individual abilities are encouraged. A boy skilled in daily calculations may not be pushed into hours of bookish study; a girl who excels in cooking may lead the kitchen team. For children who have known only precarity, standing for election, managing a budget or speaking at a meeting can be transformative. On International Women’s Day, the foundation seeks visibility not just for praise but for partnership. If you are inspired by their mission, consider supporting or collaborating—your involvement can help extend opportunities to more children in need.

Two-Wheeler Ride Apps in Mumbai: A Smart, Sensible Choice 

Used wisely and safely, app-based two-wheeler rides offer a convenient, economical, and eco-friendly way to commute.

Mumbai never stops moving, yet movement is often the slowest, with cars, buses, autos, lorries, and taxis crowding every inch of road. In this fast-paced yet congested setting, app-based two-wheeler rides have quietly become a game-changer. What began as an experiment is now a practical, economical, and even nostalgic option for lakhs of commuters.More than a ride, it has become a refreshing lifestyle shift—especially for middle-aged individuals who find it pleasantly reminiscent of their college days.

 

Mumbai’s Smart Move

They beat traffic: Mumbai’s roads are choked at any hour. A bike slips through narrow gaps, avoids deadlocks, and reaches the destination in half the time. For those on tight schedules—office-goers, tutors, teachers, or students—this time-saving edge is priceless.


Highly cost-effective: Bike rides often cost half or even a third of an auto or cab. Saving ₹20–₹50 per trip adds up to a few hundred rupees a month—and much more over a year—money that can go towards leisure, travel, or personal goals.


Comfortable for short distances: For 3–8 km trips, bikes are the smartest choice. They aren’t tiring, expensive, or time-consuming—perfect for quick daily commutes.


Environment-friendly: A bike occupies less road space, uses less fuel, and emits less carbon than cars or autos. It makes your commute lighter on both your pocket and the planet.


Nostalgic and refreshing: For middle-aged commuters, riding a two-wheeler again brings back college-day memories—the wind, the freedom, that youthful lightness. It feels less like a chore and more like a small moment of joy. For youngsters, it’s a style statement and the quickest way to explore the city.


Perfect for tight schedules: When you’re running late or stuck in sudden traffic, a bike ride almost always gets you there on time. That reliability makes it truly dependable.


Smart Usage Tips

Choose well-rated drivers: Check the driver’s rating before booking. Anything above 4.6 usually signals reliability, safety, and good behaviour.


Use it for the right trips: Short daily commutes• Last-mile travel• Quick runs to classes or meetings• Time-critical situations


Book only through official apps: Avoid unregistered freelance riders. Official apps offer live tracking, ride history, SOS features, and insurance coverage.


Check the fare first: Peak pricing can be high, so compare apps when you can.


Keep your hands free: avoid big or heavy bags. Use a backpack for better balance.


Wear the helmet provided: Most riders carry a spare—ask for it without hesitation.


Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

  • Wear a helmet—non-negotiable

  • Sit upright to avoid back strain

  • Hold the side handles or keep balanced

  • Share your ride with a trusted person if you're late

  • Check vehicle condition (tyres, seat, brake feel, if possible)

  • Talk politely with the rider

  • Ensure the rider follows traffic rules


DON’Ts

  • Don’t sit sideways—always sit facing forward

  • Don’t take a ride without a helmet

  • Don’t carry very heavy shopping bags or luggage

  • Don’t use your phone while on the bike

  • Don’t force the rider to overspeed

  • Don’t take rides in heavy rain unless necessary

 

The Growing Trend

This category is growing rapidly due to:

Traffic crisis: Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad face severe congestion. Youngsters and professionals now prioritise speed over comfort.

Affordability: With rising inflation, people prefer options that offer comfort and speed while still saving money.

Youth influence: Students and young professionals adopt trends quickly. Its usage encourages middle-aged commuters to try it too.

Lifestyle choice: Bike rides feel compact, quick, and liberating—a small burst of freedom in a busy day.

Emotional connection: For many middle-aged riders, it’s a throwback to younger days—the breeze, the bends, the nostalgia—bringing a renewed sense of youthfulness.

 

Small Ride, Big Change

Taking app-based two-wheeler rides in a city like Mumbai is more than a practical commute—it’s a smart financial choice, a time-saver, and often a small emotional refresh. Used responsibly, these rides can make daily travel smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable.


With the right precautions and awareness, this simple option can add real comfort to urban life.


I didn’t know about this two-wheeler app or what I was missing until a friend explained its benefits. I tried it once, and since then it has become part of my routine—efficient, effortless, and smooth, like a well-designed machine.


It has truly been a game-changer—saving money, saving time, and turning daily travel into something calmer and more balanced. My commute feels lighter, and honestly, I’m impressed.This small shift has brought ease, clarity, and progress. Try it—you may just rediscover life.


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)


Comments

bottom of page