Shimla: Global cyclist Somen Debnath, who has travelled around the world covering nearly 2 lakh kilometres by bicycle across 191 countries and seven continents, paid a courtesy visit to Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania at his office on Monday evening.
A resident of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, Debnath shared his experiences of cycling across India and different parts of the world and briefed the Speaker about the objectives of his long-running campaign.
Debnath said he began his ambitious journey on May 27, 2004, and has been travelling across different countries by bicycle for nearly 22 years. He said that barring North Korea, he has travelled across almost the entire world.
He explained that his journey is not merely an adventure but also aims to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote India’s rich culture and civilisation globally. During the interaction, he shared his experiences from different countries, including people’s lifestyles and the keen interest shown by foreigners in India’s cultural heritage.
Debnath said that between 2004 and 2006, he cycled around 2,700 kilometres across all 28 states and five Union Territories of India and met several Chief Ministers and Governors.
He recalled that he was in China during the COVID-19 pandemic when he contracted the infection. He said he recovered after taking rest and consuming warm water.
He is currently undertaking the second phase of his India tour, covering all states and Union Territories as part of his “Purnmilaan Bharat” initiative. Through this journey, he aims to revisit the India he saw 22 years ago and understand the changes that have taken place over the years. His present India tour is scheduled to conclude on May 27, 2027.
Recalling one of his earlier journeys, Debnath said that when he met then Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his India tour, Mukherjee appreciated the objectives of his campaign and supported him with visas for five countries and financial assistance of ₹50,000.
Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania appreciated Debnath’s courage, dedication and commitment to social causes. He particularly praised his efforts to spread HIV/AIDS awareness and showcase Indian culture across the world, saying that such initiatives are inspiring for society, especially the younger generation.
