Leaders Tech Talk: From Village Soil to Digital World, Back to Roots – My Environmental Journey

I had the privilege of growing up as the son of a farmer in a small Indian village. From my earliest memories, life revolved around the land – waking up to the sounds of nature, walking barefoot in the fields, helping my family with seasonal agricultural work, and growing up in close harmony with animals like cows, bulls, and dogs.

During my childhood and teenage years, I actively participated in farming activities – from plantation to harvesting, caring for livestock, and transporting goods like cotton, soybean, chickpeas, sugarcane, and wheat to local markets using a bullock-cart. I experienced first-hand the simplicity, discipline, and deep connection that traditional farming brought to life.

Traditional & Thrilling Experiences:

Spending nights on a machan (elevated platform) to guard crops — a traditional and adventurous way to monitor fields and protect them from animals.
Swimming in rivers, ponds, and wells, especially during the monsoon floods, including the thrill of crossing overflowing rivers or nallahs — a blend of necessity and fearless rural life.

Festival Traditions with Environmental Link : Ganesh Chaturthi | Nag Panchami | Pola | Ashadi Ekadashi | Navratri | Diwali | Makar Sankranti (Shankar Pat raced bullock-cart), Gudhipadwa-(Marathi New Year) etc.

We also used Gobar Gas (biogas) in our home – a clean, renewable energy source that fueled cooking without harming the environment. Organic practices and minimal chemical usage were naturally a part of our farming – not just as a method, but as a way of life rooted in respect for the land and nature.

A Detour: City Life & IT Career: Later, life took a different turn as I moved to the city for higher education and eventually into the IT sector. While I grew professionally and contributed to the digital world, the direct connection to agriculture and environment gradually faded – a gap that became more apparent with time.

A Turning Point: In the midst of building my career, a personal loss changed everything – my beloved mother passed away. Her absence left not just an emotional void but also raised serious concerns about our unattended farmland. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, and work-from-home became the new norm.

This global crisis, while difficult for many, offered me a unique chance: I returned to my hometown.

Back to Roots: Reconnecting with Nature: Being home again reignited my passion for the land. I began revisiting our agricultural fields, reviving traditional farming practices, planting trees, and exploring sustainable and organic methods of cultivation. This time, it wasn't just out of necessity – it was a conscious, heartfelt decision to blend my rural upbringing with modern awareness.

A Balanced Life – Technology Meets Tradition: Today, I proudly live a hybrid life — balancing my role in the digital IT world with my passion for farming and environmental sustainability.

Whenever I take a break or vacation, I choose to spend time in my village and farmlands, working the soil, planting trees, and getting immense peace and satisfaction from nature. This is not just a passion — it’s my small initiative towards environmental conservation and sustainable living.

I also view it as a future retirement plan — not just for income, but for a meaningful life rooted in simplicity and purpose.

Written by Mr. Sunil Pahune - Head of IT , MANAS Agro Industries & Infrastructure Ltd

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