Maharashtra: Farmer’s Son Walks with 120 kg Motorcycle on Shoulders Amid Flooded Fields  

Satara, 27th May 2025: Known for its recurring droughts, the Mandesh region comprising parts of Satara and Solapur districts is witnessing an unusual weather event this year. Early and intense monsoon showers have led to flooding in rivers and farmlands, catching many residents off guard.

One such incident from Kulakjai village in Man tehsil has gone viral, symbolizing both the severity of the situation and the resilience of rural youth. Vinay Ghorpade, a 25-year-old farmer’s son, was forced to carry his motorcycle—estimated to weigh around 120 kg—on his shoulders for nearly half a kilometre through a waterlogged field after finding his regular route home completely submerged.

“I had gone to Shendgewadi village earlier in the day. By afternoon, the rains had intensified, and it became clear they wouldn’t stop anytime soon,” Ghorpade recounted. “The road back home was under water, and I didn’t have the option of staying back or leaving the bike behind. I had to return to look after my parents.”

Accustomed to physically demanding farm work, including lifting sacks of fertiliser and fodder bundles, Vinay tapped into his daily strength and endurance to hoist the vehicle. With help from a friend who captured the moment on video, he managed to lift the motorcycle by positioning the rear wheel on the ground for leverage before swinging it onto his shoulders.

“It wasn’t easy to maintain balance on that slippery terrain, but I had no choice,” said Ghorpade, who holds a bachelor’s degree. The video has since been widely shared on social media, with many users praising his grit and determination.

The unexpected downpour has caused swelling in the region’s Manganga and Chandrabhaga rivers, further affecting low-lying farmlands and unpaved roads. The Mandesh area typically receives scattered rainfall towards the end of the monsoon season, making the current deluge a rare phenomenon.

Local residents are now urging authorities to expedite road improvement works and flood preparedness measures, as changing weather patterns continue to impact life in this historically dry region.