Last Updated on August 22, 2024
Vasanth Hegde expertly balances his IT career with his agricultural roots, thriving in a remote village while contributing globally. The flexibility of remote work has enriched his life, allowing him to reconnect with nature and his community. Gamana News Team met Vasanth Hegde to explore his life balancing farming and IT.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people wrestle with the decision between the conveniences of urban life and the tranquility of rural living. While cities offer numerous advantages, the allure of village life remains strong for many. However, not everyone manages to embrace village life in these modern times.
Let’s meet Vasanth Hegde! He is a remarkable example of someone who bridges these two worlds. Despite having a successful IT career, he chooses to remain rooted in his village, seamlessly combining his high-tech profession with his passion for farming and rural living.
Upbringing and Early Years
Vasanth Hegde’s early years were spent in the small village of Hasargod in Uttara Kannada, India, surrounded by the simplicity of rural life. His father, Lakshminarayan Hegde, a dedicated Arecanut farmer, while his mother, Vinoda Hegde, managed the household with care and devotion. Vasanth, along with his elder brother Vinay Hegde (Now he stays in USA), enjoyed a childhood filled with studying, playing, and being part of a close-knit community. These early years were marked by simple joys and strong family bonds, which played a significant role in shaping Vasanth’s character and work ethic.
Nature and Childhood Memories
Vasanth’s childhood was deeply intertwined with nature. He fondly remembers roaming the hills with friends, picking wild berries during summer, playing in water streams during the monsoon, swimming in the river with cousins, and playing cricket in barren paddy fields. These experiences cultivated a lasting appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures of rural life, which continue to influence him today. Reflecting on his childhood, Vasanth recalls, “My mother emphasized the importance of values and education. My brother and I began our schooling in Kannada medium, but as we grew older, we recognized the necessity of learning English language to connect with the global community.”
Transition to IT
Despite his agricultural background, Vasanth pursued a career in IT, inspired by his parents’ emphasis on education. With their support, he excelled in his studies and earned an engineering degree from a reputable college. The strong educational foundation and the expanding opportunities in the IT sector paved the way for his successful career as a software engineer. Vasanth’s rural upbringing instilled in him values of hard work and problem-solving, which have been invaluable in his IT career.
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Work From Home Experience
The shift to permanent remote work has been transformative for Vasanth. It allowed him to leave the hectic city life behind and embrace a quieter, more peaceful environment. This change has significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to spend more time with his parents, enjoy home-cooked meals, and reconnect with his roots. The flexibility of remote work has also enabled him to engage more with nature and his community while maintaining a successful IT career.
“Working from home is a bliss for me,” Vasanth explains. “I’ve set up an office on the first floor of my house, where a window overlooks our arecanut farm and coconut trees. Sometimes, having a cup of tea while watching the birds in the trees motivates me to work harder, and the serene environment often inspires solutions to routine IT problems. Our home is a standalone house, free from noise, where I can only hear the music of the birds. Most importantly, during the rainy season, watching the rain is like meditation. Living in a Western Ghats village, we experience continuous rain that can last for 4-5 days non-stop.”
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Balancing IT and Agriculture
Balancing his IT job with farming responsibilities has been a rewarding journey for Vasanth. While his father manages the main farming operations, Vasanth participates in smaller activities during weekends and free time. Together, they are developing an areca nut farm and working on transforming part of their land into a food forest with various exotic fruit plants. This involvement allows Vasanth to stay connected to his agricultural roots while pursuing his IT career.
Living in a Forested Area
Residing in a remote, forested area while working in IT presents both challenges and rewards. Though occasional power and internet outages require careful planning for supplies, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. Vasanth cherishes the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, enjoy a tranquil work environment, and maintain a close connection to nature. This unique blend of modern work and natural living provides him with a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
“I like walking in the forest and the sounds of insects,” Vasanth says. “Each season brings different sounds, creating a unique experience every time. I enjoy walking through the forest and hills, where the expansive sky feels boundless. Wandering in the forest has become one of my favorite hobbies.”
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Community and Social Life
Working remotely has enhanced Vasanth’s connections with his local community, relatives, and friends. He now participates more frequently in local festivals, weddings, and social gatherings, enjoying the community spirit and local cuisine. The flexibility of remote work allows him to be more present for important family and community events, enriching his social life and providing a strong support system.
Mother’s Care and Malnad Cuisine
Vasanth’s daily life is enriched by his mother’s care and the delicious local Malnad cuisine. He relishes a variety of home-cooked meals prepared by his mother, which would be difficult to make on his own. This access to traditional, home-cooked food has improved his overall health and deepened his connection to his cultural roots. Inspired by these culinary experiences, Vasanth is considering creating a recipe book with his mother’s help to preserve these traditional recipes for future generations.
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“My mother’s delicious dishes like Kadabu, Patrode, Payasa, and Rava Ladu are always a treat,” Vasanth laughs. “Whenever I’m at my computer, she brings me snacks like Jackfruit or Banana chips, along with a fragrant cup of tea. What more could I ask for?”
Weekend Activities
Vasanth’s weekend activities reflect his introverted nature and diverse interests. He enjoys spending time on the farm, watching movies, binge-watching coding videos, and writing for his personal blog. He also loves researching and watching international cinema and engaging in various agricultural activities. This combination of intellectual pursuits, creativity, and hands-on farm work provides a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.
Urban Vs Rural
“Growing up in Hasargod, a small village nestled within dense forests, I developed a deep bond with nature and the simple joys of rural life. These experiences shaped my values and work ethic. Balancing an IT career while actively participating in farming has been a fulfilling journey. Remote work has granted me the freedom to enjoy the tranquility of village life, spend quality time with my family, and contribute to our community. This unique blend of technology and tradition enriches my daily life, providing a sense of equilibrium and purpose.”
City Visits and Recreation
To maintain a balance between village life and urban experiences, Vasanth regularly visits nearby town – Sirsi – for shopping and meeting friends and family. He also makes bi-annual trips to Bangalore to meet colleagues, ensuring a good mix of rural and urban experiences. This approach allows him to enjoy the peace and connection to nature in his village life while experiencing the social and cultural vibrancy of city visits.
Company Culture
As a Senior Software Engineer at Atlassian, Vasanth has greatly benefited from the company’s supportive culture. The freedom to work from anywhere and the emphasis on work-life balance have enabled him to create a rich and interesting life, combining professional success with his love for rural living. The company’s support has been crucial in allowing Vasanth to pursue a lifestyle that aligns with his values and interests, crafting a unique and fulfilling way of life.
Blogging and Writing
In his free time, Vasanth enjoys writing blogs, where he shares his thoughts and experiences. You can read his blog posts here.
Pictures Credit: Vasanth Hegde