An unusual tale unfolds from the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. A resident of the Mainpur block, Nakul, made an unconventional career change, leaving his job as a bus driver for the freedom of horseback riding. His commitment goes beyond personal use; his family now exclusively uses horses for all their travels. Nakul also offers horseback riding services within his community.
Nakul’s decision was rooted in safety concerns, and he transitioned from driving to farming and riding.
Nakul BC, 48, from Banuwapara in the Mainpur block, bid farewell to his bus driving job and embraced a life centered around horses. For a decade, Nakul and his family have relied on horses for transportation. He owns two horses. His journey in transportation started as a bus conductor at age 20, eventually becoming a driver.
The Turning Point
Nakul’s village, Banuwapara, lacked proper road access to the district headquarters. His income, a mere 10,000 rupees, struggled to cover the needs of his two children and wife. The hazards of high-speed travel compounded the stress. Seeking a change a decade ago, Nakul used profits from maize cultivation to buy his first horse. After efforts to address the lack of roads and employment proved futile, he switched to horse travel. He now supplements his farming income with horseback riding services.
His Perspective
Nakul shared that his driving job was a source of constant anxiety, impacting both himself and his family. He often had to be away from his family. This led him to farming and horseback riding, which has allowed him to be with his family and earn more. He utilizes his spare time after farming to offer riding services.