Rakesh Deshmukh
I come from a small village in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. My father ran a cloth shop there, and as a child, I spent most of my time after school — especially during Diwali and summer vacations — helping him at the shop. I would stand behind the counter, attend to customers, and arrange fabrics for display. It was my way of being part of the family business.
On the other hand, my grandfather was a farmer and deeply spiritual. He often listened to Marathi bhajans and abhangas, and would explain their meanings to us with quiet wisdom. There was one song that stayed with me over the years:
Written by Jagdish Khebudkar, it uses the image of a parrot in a golden cage — a gentle push to break free from comfort and seek something greater.
Here is a part of the song that stayed with me:
“Oh bird, leave your golden cage.
You are surrounded by comfort and sweetness, but that comfort is holding you back.
You are meant to fly — over valleys, hills, and seas.
Don’t settle.
Even pearls form through struggle.”
That song hit something deep within me.
I realised I couldn’t stay in the comfort of my home or in the safety of our shop. I needed to step out and create my own journey.
So, after 10th grade, I moved to a nearby town to pursue my 10+2 in science. Later, I went to Amravati to study engineering.
It was not easy. But that one song gave me the push I needed.
Even today, when I find myself slipping into comfort, that line echoes in my mind — reminding me not to settle, not to pause.
To keep moving forward.
To honour the wings I have been given.
Because sometimes, it’s not a loud moment that changes your life — it’s a quiet verse that speaks to your soul.
This is my story.
And I am proud to be a face of Agivant.
