Life in the Fast Lane

The River dream took root way before the foundation stone was set in 2021. Our two co-founders, back then just industry peers, knocked heads over how there’s a certain Indian population that hustle differently. It’s a hustle that demands a healthy balance between work and life. It’s a hustle that demands financial independence. It’s a hustle that thrives on individuality and versatility. Interestingly, their unique hustle doesn’t particularly require unique tools and resources; just everyday essentials made differently, with them in focus. And for most, a two-wheeler tends to be more than just a mode of transportation. It’s an extension of who they are. 

And so, River became the response to those who hustle differently. Our purpose remained simple so as to address these wants and needs with one solution—to meet the unresolved, ignored and untapped requirements of the humble two-wheeler. After months of research and countless iterations, we launched the Indie—the SUV of Scooters. When we say Indie is a scooter that’s made to work for you, we mean features for utmost safety, ultimate convenience and unmatched versatility. It is literally built for those who are constantly chasing their dreams, fulfilling their goals and finding purpose in what they do. 

A certain hustler who knew Indie was for them is Abhijeet Pokharnikar. Someone who lives life at full throttle. At 26, he’s already doing what many only dream of—creating tangible change. From balancing a career as an advocate at the Pune High Court, and pursuing a master’s degree in law, to running six schools, he embodies the hustle that drives India’s next generation.

Born in Pune (Maharashtra), Abhijeet grew up hearing stories not of kings and queens, but of social reformers like Phule and Ambedkar—figures who fought for equality and rights. These stories planted a seed in him, one that would grow into his life’s mission: to give every child the opportunity to have a bright future, regardless of where they come from.

His journey began six years ago, at just 20. Frustrated by the lack of meaningful work after a brief stint as a software engineer and a failed attempt at cracking UPSC, Abhijeet had a moment of clarity. Sitting with friends, he decided that he would do something to help the children begging on the streets of Pune. With no formal resources but a fierce will to make a difference, he started a school for them right by the side of the road. What began with 17 children has now blossomed into Dada Chi Shala—an NGO that serves over 1,700 kids across six schools and several makeshift centres at traffic signals in different areas of Pune.

Abhijeet’s days are a testament to the art of multitasking. After attending college in the mornings, he heads to court in the afternoon, and by evening, he’s teaching social studies to children at one of his schools. With the kind of course material he carries around, coupled with having to stick to strict timings, he knew he couldn’t rely on public transport. So he hops onto his Indie, and navigates narrow streets and big highways to get through his day. 

“I live my life on my two-wheeler,” he says with a laugh. “It’s how I get from one place to the next—court, class, school.” His purpose is about giving these children something many of them would never have: a chance. A chance to escape the cycles of poverty and build a future they never thought possible. “We’re not just teaching them academics,” Abhijeet explains. “We’ve opened small banks in our schools, so they learn the power of financial independence and investment early on.”

After riding around the city with Abhijeet, we see the change he’s creating with every pitstop; at court and in the classroom, as a student and as a teacher. The grind continues. The hustle never stops. And through it all, Abhijeet gets to fulfil his dream, everyday.