WE BUILD & RIDE FOR FREEDOM

Behind every organization, there lies a story, a narrative woven from the dreams and ambitions of the individuals who give it life. A brand's strength and trajectory are intrinsically tied to the dedication and determination of those who shape it. This is the tale of MOTOCOSMO, but more than that, it's the story of a small-town boy. 

I hail from Gevra Project in Korba, Chhattisgarh, India, a town primarily known for its coal production. From a young age, I was drawn to the artistic dimensions of life - sketching, painting, literature, science fiction, and the desire of building things from scratch. Little did I know that these seemingly insignificant childhood interests would become the building blocks of my life's journey. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing, life had a way of delivering transformative experiences. One such transformative moment was the passing of my father when I was 13 years old. This loss forced me to confront a harsh reality: very few people find true happiness when their time comes. Usually, it's because they never become who they wanted to be or reach the places they aspired to. Over time, they grow to resent the most precious gift they've been given - their lives. As a teenager, this was a heavy burden to bear, but it ignited a resolve within me. I was determined not to let life slip by without pursuing my passions and dreams.

In 2010, I made a decision that, at the time, looked impulsive and emotional. I chose to study automobile engineering, a stream which was not one of the common choices during those days. You see, my father had an old scooter, his first vehicle, which he cared for deeply. He taught himself to service it by closely observing what mechanics did. When he passed away, the scooter sat unused for years until I decided to learn how to ride it. My desire to make it better, coupled with my growing fascination with customization and automobiles, began my journey.

During my college years in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a circle of friends who shared the same passion for creativity and the extraordinary. Throughout our college lives, we were involved into a multitude of creative activities, from robotics to presentations and engineering projects. However, the turning point arrived in 2015 when, for the first time in our college's history, a team founded by our circle participated in the Formula Student competition - a dream come true for all of us. This event, attended by esteemed colleges from across the nation, opened our eyes to the world of limitless possibilities. It was a moment of realization, a moment that left me unsatisfied with the status quo. I hungered for something more significant, something greater, something of our own making. It was then that I resolved to forgo the conventional path of seeking professional automotive employment and instead set out to create something that would truly belong to me, something that would meet my own expectations and standards.

My journey into the world of motorcycles began in April 2015 when I acquired my first-ever motorcycle, an old 2005 Hero-Karizma R. This was the beginning of SHIFT GEAR CUSTOMS, a custom motorcycle workshop founded by my college classmate, Sagar K. Gawade. Together, we worked hard to grasp a place into the world of custom motorcycle building from April 2015 to March 2017. However, life's twists and turns eventually led me back to my hometown, Gevra Project, due to a series of personal challenges. Balancing personal issues with professional pursuits is a reality we need to accept. In 2017, my journey led me away from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, where I spent over two enriching years working with Shift Gear Customs. This chapter of my life, though marked by its share of challenges, proved to be a transformative period. It was during this time that I was introduced to the dynamic world of custom motorcycles and the vibrant biking community. Surrounded by talented individuals, this experience not only refined my skills but also shaped my perspective in unimaginable ways. 

Two months later, and a new chapter began in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, alongside my schoolmate from Gevra Project, Sumer Singh. Together, we established a fresh custom motorcycle workshop with innovative ideas and enthusiasm. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and in December 2019, just months before the COVID-19 lockdown, we were compelled to shutter our workshop. A severe accident of mine in July 2019 was a big reason, leaving me bedridden for an extended period. Although our professional journey had hit rough patches, the concept of MOTOCOSMO continued to burn brightly. MOTOCOSMO represents more than just a workshop, it embodies our creativity, persistence, and dedication to our dreams. Sometimes, challenges serve as powerful teachers, and in our journey, there are no failures, only valuable lessons.

The period of recovery following the accident, coupled with the lockdown, afforded me the opportunity to reflect on my past mistakes. In times of adversity, it's easy to lose heart. Witnessing two established workshops close within four years was disheartening, especially when you've invested your time, hard work and passion. However, I gradually realized that it's the mission that matters, not the location. After lockdown, I started building motorcycles and working on projects in my personal garage - a space I had set up during that time of isolation. This garage holds a special place in my heart, as it was where I worked on numerous creative projects during my school days. Built by my father, a dedicated teacher, it had been largely dormant since his passing. My return to this space in 2019, after nine years, felt like destiny. Sometimes, life brings you back to your roots to find clarity and address personal issues.

For some, my life forcing me to leave bigger cities and return to a small town might seem like a step-down, but on a personal level, it was a necessity. MOTOCOSMO transcends physical location - it's an idea, a canvas for the colors within us to shine. Through all the twists and turns, I realized that life has a way of guiding you to acknowledge your missteps when you're truly dedicated. As I write this in 2023, I can't help but feel grateful for the challenges I've faced along the way. Over the years, I've lost connections with people, some of whom were close, and it sometimes feels as though they were never there. Yet, what truly matters to me is my focus towards my goals and dreams, which have, ultimately, sculpted a better version of myself. I've learned that when you build things, they, in turn, shape you. That's the essence of MOTOCOSMO.

"Build and ride for freedom" is not just a slogan, it's the bedrock of my entire journey. It carries the idea of living life to the fullest, of being unshackled by limitations, and of ruthlessly pursuing the dreams and the people we aspire to be. MOTOCOSMO is a dream waiting to connect with the right people, carrying with it a story of a small town boy who never gave up. Let's see what the future holds for me...

By Tumul Aajesh Singh : Tumult13