The Marathi Voice on Youtube

Jeevan Kadam  reveals the life of a Youtuber and what goes on behind the scenes in his Jeevankadamvlogs at a workshop in Mumbai.

With the advent of smart phone and easily accessible internet in the last few years made a huge difference to the way people lived their lives.  Use of E commerce , App based Cabs increased substantially. One more thing grew along with it is 'Youtube' , a video sharing platform of 'Google'  saw a huge number of users suddenly. The demand for Youtuber or content creators grew. That gave a platform for people like Jeevan Kadam and many more to start their own Youtube Channel.

'Namaskar Mitrano' 

Jeevankadamvlogs is the YouTube Channel which Jeevan runs.  It is Number One Marathi Youtube Channel having more than 30 thousand subcribers. Jeevan is into travel vlogging and has covered various forts of Maharashtra through his channel. 'Bandi' is a short film which Jeevan has directed which received great recognition in one of the reputed film festival.Because of all this Jeevan Kadam was invited by Niramala Niketan College, Churchgate for a special workshop on Youtube in their  annual fest 'Jamboree'. In this workshop Jeevan talked about his life as a Youtuber and much more.

Jeevan in his early days

   Early Life:

Jeevan Kadam was once a  small town boy from Satara who hardly had love for academics during his school days. His initial interest were in Cricket and Chess. In Chess he was a top ranked player at a district level. He came from a poor financial background so poor that his family did not have the money for his education.  He remembers he and his dad worked as a labourer in fields to raise the money for his college fees. Also "In 2010 I remember I had to spent the entire month on just Rs 100/-in my pocket"recalls Jeevan. In all this he managed to complete his graduation from Satara and then came to Mumbai to do a post graduate course in Computers. And things changed after that.


First Vlog to Starting a YouTube  channel

Jeevan shares a funny incident about how he made his first vlog.  He and his friends had planned to go to Mahabaleshwar where Jeevan was to join them later and he did not have the exact address. He had great difficulties in finding the address and he wanted his friends to know how difficult it was for him to reach there so he captured the entire sequence of events in his mobile and latter showed it to them.  It was a instant hit with his friends. That was the first vlogging which Jeevan did and from then he hasn't looked back.


Marathi on Youtube:

Once he knew that vlogging is the thing he is best at, the next question was the language. Hindi and English were the obvious choice in front of him as it already had large audience on Youtube.  Jeevan decided to follow his own path and started a channel in his mother tongue Marathi in a time when many even questioned his decision. Few years down the line many are following his foothsteps.


Work, Family and Youtube:

Jeevan and his wife

Jeevan is not a full time Youtuber,  he work as a software engineer in a IT company and along with that does Youtube. He goes treking on weekends and edits his video late in the night during the weekdays.  Jeevan says being a youtuber is not easy. He sometimes have to stay up whole night and then go to office next day. One video per week is the minimum you have to provide to your subscriber and managing that sometimes becomes difficult. Jeevan has had a love marraige and his wife has equally supported Jeevan in the journey so far.

Amol Jamdare and Jeevan at a workshop on Youtube

JVK Team:


Amol Jamdare once a subscriber of his channel when JVK vlogs had 300 subscriber. Now he is part of the JVK TEAM. Amol with his vast knowledge in Archeological and History is the spokesperson of the channel when it comes to visit to historical places. Jeevan and Amol shares a nice bond with each other and that has taken the channel to a greater heights.



Money you make???

It is the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) for Jeevan. He explains the various ways by which you can raise money if you have a YouTube channel. He admits at present the earning is quiet low as the creater have increased and warns teenagers from taking youtube as full time carrer option.  "Youtube is a good marketing platform if you have a bussiness" says Jeevan.It is passion which has kept him going till now.


Negativity, Hatters:

With All the name and fame that comes along with being a popular Youtuber there also come in negativity and hatter. Cheap comments and negative marketing is what a Youtuber has to deal with.There have been  times when Jeevan feels its time to close his channel forever.


What keeps him Going:

Yash Kshirsagar is his special Subcriber

Its the connect with subscribers which is priceless says Jeevan. "People travel a long distance (100km) to meet me after seeing my Instagram updates". Also Yash Kshirsagar who has been paralyzed below the neck since last four years watches his videos and he wanted to meet Jeevan. "So I went to meet him at his home. During the interaction the Yash said to me "Your vlogs are like Jeevan (life)  to me. Please don't ever stop making them".

Socially Responsible:

Volunteering for PANI FOUDATION with UIC

What makes JVK vlogs different from other Youtube Channel is the social issue which it takes up regularly. From Darubandi on Forts (Alcohol free forts)  to Volunteering for Pani Foundation.From Cleanliness drive at forts along with Durgaveer to Ganpati Darshan on Cycles for Eco friendly Ganeshutsav.

LINK OF JEEVANKADAMVLOGS CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/JeevanKadamVlogs

Follow Jeevan Kadam
FB https://www.facebook.com/JeevanKadamVlogs
INSTA https://www.instagram.com/JeevanKadamVlogs

SANKET SUBHEDAR
http://sankblogging.blogspot.in/

Iconic Raj Bhavan opens for Public Viewing       

AERIAL VIEW OF RAJ BHAVAN (courtesy raj bhavan)

    ‘What lies to the western tip of Marine Drive?’ is the question many people visiting it often wonder. The thick dense forest with a few buildings in between is all we can see from this side. It is Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra which is located on the southernmost tip of Mumbai on Malbar hill which is enveloped from three sides by the majestic Arabian Sea, and thus it is regarded as the QUEEN among the other Raj Bhavans of the country. Now you have the opportunity of visiting it as Governor Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao in an historic decision has opened some parts of Raj Bhavan to public as part of the Sunrise tours started from last September.

      The Sun rise tour is a two hour tour inside Raj Bhavan which can be booked through Online Registration and comes at a small price of Rs 25 per person. Every morning ( except Monday and Public Holiday) maximum ten people get to be part of this tour which includes watching sunrise from the yoga gallery, a visit to Devi temple, tea and a small history lesson about the place. You need to assemble at 6 am at the gate of Raj Bhavan and go through a multi layer security check. After completing the formality you meet a very friendly guide who is specially chosen by the Governor himself among his staff of Raj Bhavan.

    
   

Watching the sun rise may be the highlight of this tour but spending two hours inside the iconic Raj Bhavan is a mesmerizing experience.The calmness and beauty of the places just takes you by surprise and it is hard to believe you are still in Mumbai.  Spread over 47 acres, out of which three forth is forest. It includes variety of species of plant and trees along with its scientific name on it. Apart from being the home to the Governor, Raj Bhavan also houses number of peacock, snake, mongoose and monkey. Built way back in 1820 and with recent renovation it has a ideal blend of colonial and Indian style of architecture. It has it own helipad, tennis court and a private beach which makes it one of the best house to live in.

Raj Bhavan is also a place of historic and political importance. It was at this very place where The State of Maharashtra was officially formed back in 1960. It also serves as the residence of the President, Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries during their visit to Mumbai. ‘Government House’, as the place was referred to in pre-Independence era, has also served as the residence to British Governor from 1885.

     “Sunrise tour at Raj Bhavan has become  popular among Mumbaikars as they get booked as soon as they are opened on 10^th of every month” informs Umesh Kashikar Public Relationship officer (PRO) of Raj Bhavan who interacts with visors daily. People from all parts of city are coming on these tours and witnessing a part of Mumbai that has long been inaccessible. Raj Bhavan is one of the most beautiful heritage places of Mumbai which you simply can’t afford to miss. As you leave Raj Bhavan at around 8 am after the tour you are left with an amazing calmess and energy which the premise gifts you, along with wonderful memories. DEFINITELY ‘A MORNING WORTH SPENDING’

Sanket S Subhedar

BLEND OF COLONIAL AND INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

     

 PRISILIYA’S  RIDE FOR PRIDE         

    A 22 years old girl who cycled from Panvel to Kanyakumari covering 5 states, 1900km in 19 days all on her own to fulfill a dream. Let’s look at her amazing journey towards her dream which may inspire you to dream something for yourself.

   
       Prisiliya Dhananjay Madan is an ordinary girl in first year of M.Sc Computer Science from Panvel who has done an extra ordinary feat by cycling from Panvel to Kanyakumari in a solo ride. Prisiliya grew up along with the cycle in the background as her father Dhananjay Madan is a cyclist himself. She has also accompanied her dad on many cycling tours before and also done long distance group cycling from Kullu to Khardung la(600Km), Panvel to Puri (2200Km) and also in the naxal prone area in Odisha  and  Chhattisgarh but it was Rubina from England(who cycles around the world alone) who had come to stay in her house for a night while on a tour which inspired her to take up this dream of riding solo which she named it as “I-PRIDE I PRISILIYA RIDE FOR PRIDE”.

17KG LUGGAGE ON HER CYCLE

 Her ride may have started on 24^th DEC from Panvel but the actual work started months before, from planning the route to learning to repair the cycle; all she did herself with the support of her family and few cyclist friends. With no group or escort vehicle with her she had to carry all the luggage on her cycle which weighed about 17 Kg as she started the ride. Of all the physical challenges she would have to undergo during the ride; the toughest mental challenge was at the start of the ride. She had to hold up as her father and family members were very emotional as the journey was about to begin. With tears in her eyes and heavy heart she left Panvel to live her dream.

    Prisiliya had decided to write daily about her journey on the social media (FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/IRideforPride/; BLOG http://prisiliyamadan.blogspot.in/ ) which attracted lot of eyeballs. Even though the route was fixed, how much distance to be covered daily was finalized but there were no hotel booking along the way. She spent 18 nights in 18 different people’s home with many she had met for the first time. A few people were referred to by the person she stayed before. A few invited her to their house as they followed her ride through the social media. People not only opened their doors for her but also opened their heart.  A police inspector at Kharepatan (Maharashtra) police station not only helped her with the route but also gave her all the numbers of the police station along the route as well as assured her full support in case of emergency. Apart from the danger of speeding vehicles there was no other point where she felt unsafe during the entire journey.

Connected with people along the route

   The number of Ghats along the route tested all her endurance and stamina. She had to bear the sun as there were very few trees along the road. Local food is what she had all throughout which took her more closer to the people and the region she travelled. ‘Why are you doing this?’ ‘How did your parents allow you?’ was the most common question people asked. Some wanted her to speak to their wife or sister to motivate them.

   

Ernakulam Mayor flags off Presiliya

   
                                                            

It was her stay at Mrs Sudha home who is a college teacher in a woman’s college; which gave an interesting twist to her ride. She invited Prisiliya to give a lecture in her college. Prisiliya spoke to girls impressing them the need to look beyond academic excellence and indulge in journey of their own. Similar sessions were organized by two more college of Kerala. Seeing the response to these sessions a Malayalam newpaper covered a front page story on her which made Presiliya suddenly the talk of the town. She was recognizes by her name wherever she went. Ernakulam Mayor organized a small felicitation function the next morning and flagged her off. A famous celebrity from Tamil industry Anupama saw Prisiliya, got off her car & interacted with her. She also shared a picture on social media which added to the buzz.

ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO LOOK BEYOND ACADEMICS

        After a continuous 19 days of riding on the road on 11 Jan 2016 Prisiliya reached Kanyakumari.  A dream was accomplished. She spent few quiet moments with herself at the Triveni sangam avoiding all the phone calls and messages which had started to pour in by now. It was for these sacred moments with her for self discovery she had put in so much efforts. Traveling the world on her cycle is what she sees in the future but as of now it’s her M.sc examination which is her top priority at present. Prisiliya hopes her ride inspires a lot to take up things which they love. She meet her father at the railway station on arrival in Mumbai, both hugged each other and busted into cry.Dhananjay Madan was a proud father who met a new daughter who was more confident, with a lot more patience and with memories she could cherish for the rest of her life.

Sanket Subhedar

A dream was accomplished

  When   many enjoyed a glass of wine,

     A few shared 'A Cup of Smile'

    

     

    A group of youngster choose to celebrate 31st Dec differently by Serving those who Serve us (Mumbai Police). 'A Cup of Smile' offering a cup of tea' to the onduty policeman so that they could spare a moment in relaxation from their hectic duty and appreciating their efforts in keeping us safe. The group was formed just a few days ago with the help of social media when this idea came to the mind of Dnyaneshwari  Velankar, a college student residing in Girgaon, "Party and Celebrations happen every year but I wanted to do something unique. So how about serving  'The Real Heroes' the Mumbai Police because of whom others get to celebrate safely."said Dnyaneshwari who was the Women behind all this.

   Thirteen volunteers not only came forward to support but also contributed money for the tea and cups that were to be arranged. They  started the tea distribution from Girgaon chowpatty at 10 pm and went all the way upto Nariman point to serve more than 600 policeman.    "Witnessing the smile on the face of policeman was a priceless moment of my life and a it was the first time that I got to know the human being behind the khakki" said Jayesh one of the 13 volunteer.            

     "Many onlooker took notice and appreciated the efforts but some misinterpreted us as 'chaiwalla' and one even asked for cigrates or litters. Which we didnt have", said Akshay kedia a  volunteer who had come all the way from kandivali for being part of this. After a tireing yet satisfying experience at around 3 am  the group wound up at churchgate station with 6 empty tea kettles but a mind full of hope,rejoice and satisfaction thus starting the new year on a really 'HIGH' note.

      

FREEDOM RIDE: Pedal for the Nation

 A ‘Freedom Ride’ (Cycle rally) was organized to celebrate 69^th Independence Day by visiting places which are of historic importance during the freedom struggle.

 The ride started from August Kranti Maidan (a place from where Gandhiji ordered the British to ‘Quit India’ on 9 August 1942) at around 7 am by flag hoisting ceremony and paying respect to the freedom fighters who lost their lives. It was followed by Mani Bhavan (a place which was the epicenter of India’s struggle for freedom during 1917-1934 when Gandhiji stayed here. It is from here Gandhiji  launched Satyagraha and Civil disobedient movement.) A two storey building is now converted into a tourist attraction which has exhibition depicting Gandhiji’s life through miniature figures and library having more than 40,000 books. The next point of the ride was Lokmanya Tilak statue at Girgaon Chowpatty (now renamed as Swarajya Bhumi). In order to unite people Lokmanya Tilak initiated celebration of  ‘Ganeshotsav’ and ‘Shiv Jayanti’ which continue even today. It was at this place where Tilak was cremated which was witnessed by over two lakh people. The cyclist pedal through marine drive upto Nariman point where they had a interactive session. “It was a unique way to celebrate Independence day rather than going out on a holiday” said a 20 year old student who participated in the ride.

     

    This rally is part of the ‘PEDAL FOR JOY’ initiative to popularize Cycling. It had also organized two cycle rallies last year to celebrate ‘Eco friendly Diwali’ and ‘Pedal for Peace (26/11)’ rally. It also plans to organize cycle rallies in different parts of the city in future.

FB PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/PEDALFORJOY

SANKET SUBHEDAR 

Review on Marathi film Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 

Not worth the wait

The audience were made to wait for five years for the sequel Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 but it fails to live up to the expectation.The first film ends with keeping the audince intersted and a scope for a sequnce to be made. As a separate film the film is good but when you make a sequel the comparison is bound to happen it lacks in it.

       The first story had only two characters but still there was a no dull moment in it. The love hate relationship between the characters which names were not revealed till the end represented the two cities itself. The sequel has many character played wonderfully by well known actors. Since the audience finally knows that 'marriage is going to happen' it fails to maintain the interest of the audience in the second half. The locations,casting, framework,costumes and technical aspects must be given due credit but for all this you must have a good story to tell. Athough the film is not worth the wait still mpm1 will remain in the hearts.

Sanket Subhedar

           Half Day’s will be missed

                        

           Half Day’s will be missed

    With 2nd and 4th Saturday being off and rest full day, the concept of half day working for banks is finally gone. It may have been time for many bankers to celebrate as it adds to the number of bank holidays and also provide opportunity to enjoy a longer weekend. The banking communities were always envy about other government offices enjoying 2nd and 4th Saturday off. This was one of the major outcomes from the X bipartite settlement which was signed between Employee's Union and IBA (Indian Banks Association). It will come into effects from September thus 29th August will be the last half day for banks.

   

   No Tiffin, casual clothing and excitement of finishing early used to be daily course of most bank employee on Saturday until now. In many branches Saturday was a day to celebrate. “Birthday, sendoff, promotion were all celebrated on a Saturday. We used to look forward to half day working as well as all these celebration. With no more half day it feels a bit odd” said a banker, who has had 30 years of service. Also for many who had posting away from home ,Saturday was the day to catch the earliest bus/train and reach home. "I used to wait for Saturday (weekend) as that was the day I could get to meet my family and spend quality time with them" said a bank employee who works in Mumbai and has his family in Pune.

     

    Many customers who had Saturday holiday used to prefer to do bank work on Saturday thus banks having long queue. "The volume of work on half day remained the same. Most times we could have to stay back and complete work. By the time we could reach home it was as if a full day working so this is a welcome thing for us" said a officer in one of the public sector banks.

   The second and fourth off will help reduce the operational cost for entire banking industry. It will also provide relief for people who had to travel long distance in order to reach office. But the Monday following the off will see a huge rush in banks. Overall it is a welcome move for bankers but there is no doubt half days will be missed by one and all.
 

Sanket Subhedar