Ranjani Madhavan By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Reading about snakes in libraries, catching fish when the rains make lakes flood, cycling 11 kilometres to and from school, and a desire to keep learning - these were some of Murali Karthik's many interests when he was growing up in Bengaluru.

Though he never expected it, he found himself dissatisfied while working a nine to five BPO job. His fascination with all things nature led him to give up his job and do what he loves the most - teach.

"I stayed in Kaggadaspura and studied at Army School, MG Road. The bus stop was 1.5 kilometres away from home, and if I missed the bus, there was no getting to school. I loved cycling and decided to ride every single day from the seventh grade," says the 30-year-old, who was one of the finalists for the Bicycle Mayor (a bicycle mayor actively promotes cycling as a means to replace motorised transport) title.

He took to cycling after watching his grandfather cycle from Shivajinagar in Whitefield for work for 25 years. Inspired by him, he made solo cycle trips to Tumkur, Kolar and Mysuru on a gearless cycle.

Despite efforts, Murali has been unable to convince principals and parents to let their kids cycle to schools nearby. However, the traffic and safety concern of parents and loss of bus revenue by schools has made this difficult. "I have better luck with rural and government schools within the city. They let me come and talk to the kids about the benefits of cycling," says the engineering dropout.

He quit his corporate job in 2015 and began volunteering with several NGOs, such as International Care Foundation, and also set up a community pre-school in an urban slum just a week ago. He earns by taking private tuitions on the side.

"I'm working towards a long-term approach on how to address our education system. It is conformist and breeds children like chickens on a farm - they all think linearly. A lot of unlearning needs to happen," says Murali, who believes that the primary role of a teacher is to create a vacuum in a child's mind to bring about a hunger to learn. For example, he teaches Physics with a cycle, explaining concepts of circular and linear motion.

Perhaps his most unique passion is a love for snakes, as he feels they are misunderstood. He has rescued 250 to date, his first encounter is with a poisonous viper. His reading and research helped him understand the creatures better. "I watched a lot of National Geographic as a child, and have always had an adventurous side. I wanted to overcome a fear most people have, and decided to learn how to rescue and rehabilitate snakes," he says, adding," I remember shivering and getting goosebumps when I heard the viper hiss during my first rescue."

He educates school children on snake behaviour, how to handle a situation when faced with a snake, spotting venomous ones and overcoming their fear.

Murali can often be seen wearing a mask and cycling 40 kilometers a day, holding a signboard that reads, 'Cycle today for a better tomorrow', hoping to educate people on the benefits of cycling.