After his sister’s marriage fell apart because of dowry demands, Bhausaheb Bhawar decided to bring about a change in people’s mindset. At the age of 25 in 1993, he left home and his ambitions to go around in his cycle so that he can to talk people from different parts of the country about the perilsof practising dowry. In doing so, he realised everyone is a part of one big family. He says, “How can anyone justify the thought process of dowry!”
This year, he is out on a nationwide tour for the fifth time. Riding his tenth cycle, he set off on the journey from Bhubaneswar, and cycled through Palasa before reaching Visakhapatnam a few days ago. This is the second time he has visited the city during his tours. Last time he was in 2011. Bhawar says, “I don’t plan my trips. I don’t even carry a cellphone,” and adds, “I will visit the schools and National Cadet Corps camps. Let’s see if they have time for me or not.”
Bhawar knows Odia, Hindi and a bit of English. He says, “I have realised language isn’t a barrier. I always find people in the group who can translate for me and my audience.” He doesn’t have a bank account or ever did a job in his life. He says, “The madness to accumulate wealth will help in solving social problems.” He has been relying on philanthropy and kindness of people whom me meets on his journey. He is the city is for four to five days before he hits the road once again.