Beekeeping Training: 1 Exciting Journey from Mumbai to Pune

My Journey of Beekeeping Training: From Mumbai to Pune ,When I left Mumbai, my heart was full of curiosity and purpose. My goal was simple — to learn beekeeping (apiculture) under the guidance of Anand Joshi Sir in Pune. I had heard so much about the importance of apiculture, not just as a livelihood but as a sustainable practice that could empower rural and tribal communities like ours, the Siddi community. Journey of Beekeeping Training From Mumbai to Pune: for a Sustainable Future – 1 Uplifting Story

Journey of Beekeeping Training: From Mumbai to Pune Story. Getting a reservation at the last moment was impossible, so I took a general ticket and boarded the train to Pune with my daughter and husband. The journey was crowded, yet full of small joys. Amidst the rush, we met a Maharashtrian family traveling with their toddler. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was warm — their child and my daughter began playing together, sharing giggles that made us forget the discomfort.

The family was incredibly kind. They offered snacks to my daughter, and soon, conversation flowed naturally. We spoke about Mumbai and Pune — the mother shared how she found Mumbai too crowded and noisy, while Pune felt calmer, more peaceful, and closer to nature. There was something grounding about that train ride — strangers becoming companions, simple kindness making a long journey lighter.

When we reached Pune around 8:30 PM, the same family even helped us with directions to the Agricultural College, where we were to meet Joshi Sir and Madhu mama for beekeeping training. That moment reminded me how kindness travels with us in unexpected forms.

Anand Joshi Sir and Madhu Ma’am were already waiting for us. Their warmth instantly made us feel at home. Though we had spoken to Anand Sir only over the phone before, meeting both of them in person for the first time felt like reconnecting with old friends. They had thoughtfully arranged a guest house for our stay within the campus — a quiet space surrounded by trees, where the evening air was filled with the gentle hum of crickets.

After freshening up, we shared a simple but delicious dinner together. Both Sir and Ma’am spoke passionately about apiculture, sustainable farming, and the potential of beekeeping to uplift marginalized communities. They patiently explained how bee colonies function, the types of bees, and the importance of ecological balance. Their commitment wasn’t just academic — it came from the heart.

After dinner, Joshi Sir personally dropped us off at the guest house — a gesture of care that said more than words. It was humbling to meet teachers who not only share knowledge but also extend such genuine hospitality.

The next morning, we woke up early, filled with excitement about beekeeping training and field visit where we were finally going to see the beehives and learn the practical aspects of beekeeping training. The plan was to begin at 10 a.m., and we had already finished our breakfast, packed our notebooks, and prepared our cameras to capture every moment. journey of beekeeping and training from Mumbai to Pune

But nature had other plans. Without any warning, dark clouds rolled in, and within minutes, the sky opened up. It began to rain heavily, washing over the campus, and the earthy smell of wet soil filled the air. At first, we thought it would stop soon. Everyone waited patiently — watching from the verandah, hoping the clouds would clear so we could proceed with our fieldwork beekeeping training.

By 12 noon, the rain only grew stronger. Our excitement slowly turned to disappointment. After all, I had traveled all the way from Mumbai to Pune for this hands-on learning experience, eager to observe the hives, bees, and the delicate process of honey collection and the whole process of beekeeping training.

But sometimes, when plans fail, life gives us something even more meaningful. Since outdoor beekeeping training wasn’t possible, Joshi Sir and Madhu Ma’am quickly turned the day into an interactive learning session.

We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon exchanging ideas and diving deep into discussions about apiculture — understanding different bee species, how colonies function, and how honey extraction is done scientifically. We also learned about the critical role of bees in pollination and how their survival directly supports agriculture and biodiversity.

The teachers didn’t limit the conversation to science alone. They widened the scope, speaking about how apiculture can become a tool for rural self-employment, women empowerment, and sustainable livelihood — especially for marginalized groups like the Siddi community.

In the end, what began as a day of disappointment turned into one of reflection and inspiration. Though we couldn’t step into the field, we stepped deeper into understanding how beekeeping is more than honey — it’s about harmony between people, nature, and purpose.

As the conversations continued, something truly unexpected began to unfold. What started as casual discussion about our work and experiences soon turned into a chain of surprising connections. Someone mentioned a name, another recalled a project, and slowly we realized that many of us had unknowingly worked with the same people years ago — all linked through community service, rural projects, and shared missions.

During one such conversation, Joshi Sir asked how we had first met him. I explained that it was through a common friend, to which he smiled and said, “Oh yes, I remember now — I had met that friend through V.S.N. Rao.”

The moment he mentioned the name, my husband’s face lit up. He said, “V.S.N. Rao Sir is my mentor! He was the one who guided me and many Siddi children during the special sports program at SAI back in 1987.”

That simple remark opened a flood of memories and connections. From that moment, one name led to another, and our circle began to expand. As we spoke more, Joshi Sir grew curious about our Siddi community. He admitted that he had only heard of the community briefly and wanted to know more.

My husband shared stories about our people — their African roots, their settlements in Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, and the community’s struggles and achievements. Joshi Sir listened with genuine interest and said, “I have a scientist friend, Mr. Singh, who might know about your community.” Without hesitation, he made a phone call right there and handed the phone to my husband.

To our surprise, Mr. Singh turned out to have already worked with the Siddi community years ago. As they spoke, he asked, “Do you know Prakash Bhatt?” My husband smiled and replied, “Of course! he is very good friend and mentor, He’s the one who connected us to the All India Institute of Local Self Government.”

Hearing that, Joshi Sir immediately asked, “Wait, do you also know Mukesh Kannsiskar by any chance?” We laughed and said, “Yes, very well!” It was almost unbelievable how every new name brought yet another familiar face into the picture.

The connections didn’t stop there. Joshi Sir made a few more calls, and by late afternoon, we were on our way to meet some of these old acquaintances in Pune — people we hadn’t seen in nearly five years. The meeting was warm, emotional, and filled with stories of shared work, past struggles, and renewed hope for the future.

I never imagined that a short trip for a beekeeping training would turn into such a meaningful reunion of hearts and purpose. We had gone to learn about bees, but instead, we discovered how beautifully life connects people — sometimes in ways beyond our imagination.

Later that afternoon, after reconnecting with old acquaintances, we all sat together and began discussing something close to our hearts — how we could uplift our Siddi community. The conversation was full of energy and ideas. Each person shared thoughts on what could be done — from creating livelihood opportunities to introducing apiculture as a sustainable skill for youth and women in rural areas.

What touched me deeply was how everyone we met, though from different fields — lecturers, activists, and professionals — expressed a genuine desire to support. They said, “If there’s any way we can help your community, please count us in.” Those words meant a lot. It reminded me that change begins when people come together, not just through plans, but through shared intent.

Among those who encouraged us was Madhu Ma’am — whose full name we later learned is Sarika Saswade. “Madhu” is her affectionate nickname, perfectly fitting for someone who lives and breathes honey and bees. She is the Director at Prasari Honey Bees Pvt. Ltd., and she plays a remarkable role in promoting scientific and modern beekeeping techniques across India.

Madhu Ma’am spoke passionately about her work — how she conducts training programs for farmers, women, and youth, and organizes pollination drives to promote biodiversity. She shared her belief that beekeeping isn’t just an occupation, but a way to build self-reliant, sustainable communities. Before we parted, she assured us with a warm smile, “We’ll surely help you in the future — whatever support you need to bring beekeeping to your community, we’ll be there.”

Her words gave us hope and direction. We realized that this journey to Pune had given us much more than technical knowledge and beekeeping training — it had given us connections, mentorship, and a sense of shared purpose. of Our Journey of Beekeeping and Training: From Mumbai to Pune

As evening approached, we packed our bags at the guest house, grateful for the kindness and wisdom we had received. By 10 p.m., we were back at the railway station, ready to return home. The rhythmic sound of the train that night felt different — comforting, like a hum of possibilities.

We had come to learn about bees but returned with something far sweeter — the promise of collaboration, community upliftment, and a renewed hope for the future of the Siddi people. my Journey of Beekeeping and Training: As our journey from Mumbai to Pune came to an end, I realized it had become much more than a simple beekeeping training trip. It turned into a heartwarming experience filled with memories, learning, and meaningful connections. From meeting a kind family on the train who made our travel lighter with laughter and snacks, to reconnecting with old friends and mentors who share our dream of uplifting the Siddi community — every moment felt like a reminder of how beautifully life connects people and purpose.

Despite the challenges, this journey reminded us that every setback carries a lesson, and every drop of rain nourishes something unseen. What began as a simple field visit turned into a deeper lesson about patience, teamwork, and the power of shared dreams. The rain may have stopped our hands from working, but it opened our hearts to listen, observe, and connect.

Each conversation, each shared meal, and each laugh under the cloudy Pune sky wove us closer as a team. We learned not only about the science of bees but also about the rhythm of nature and the beauty of community living in harmony. The beehives taught us silent lessons — about dedication, discipline, and the quiet strength that lies in collective effort.

As the train gently rolled out of Pune station that night, our thoughts were filled with gratitude. We carried back not just notebooks of training material, but memories, ideas, and renewed purpose. The friendships formed and the knowledge gained are now part of a larger vision — to bring sustainable change, to empower rural communities, and to create livelihoods rooted in respect for nature.

This journey was more than a field trip; it was a reminder of why we began. Each of us returned home with a spark — to work harder, to share more, and to spread awareness about the harmony between humans and the humble honeybee.

As the sound of the train faded into the night, one truth remained clear: like the bees, our strength lies in unity, perseverance, and purpose.

Here’s to new beginnings, collective growth, and the sweetness of dreams that are yet to bloom.