Somen Debnath, a brave Indian national, embarks on a remarkable odyssey to bicycle around the world, venturing through 191 countries spread across 7 continents. His noble mission is dedicated to spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS and promoting Indian culture through seminars. Commencing his expedition on May 27, 2004, right after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at the University of Kolkata, India, Somen also holds a 'Visarad' degree in Fine Arts from the University of Sarbabhartiya, Kolkata.
Traversing an astounding distance of 188,500 kilometres on his bicycle, Mr. Debnath has already covered 180 countries, revealing a strong determination to reach his goal. His journey can be described as an incredible feat of human courage and endurance:
• 2004-2007: Somen explored 28 states and five union territories of India, setting the stage for his global quest.
• 2007-2009: Adventuring through 23 countries in Asia, he embraced the diverse cultures and landscapes of the continent.
• 2009-2012: Enriching his journey with experiences, he travelled through 50 countries in Europe, including the remote wilderness of Greenland.
• 2012-2015: Venturing into the unknown, Somen embarked on a journey through 52 countries in Africa and eight countries in the Middle East.
• 2015-2020: Challenging the extremities, he covered 48 countries in South and North America, making his way from the Antarctic/Southern Ocean to the Arctic Circle/Arctic Ocean, a total of 174 countries.
• 2020-2021: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans, imposing travel restrictions in China and leading to a lockdown in New Zealand.
• 2022-2023: Continuing his extraordinary journey, he ventures through Australia, Oceania (Polynesia & Melanesia), Southeast Asia, and ultimately returns to India, with ongoing travel through 15 countries.
The genesis of Somen's mission lies in a poignant encounter when he was just 14 years old. Deeply moved by an article titled "AIDS is more deadly than cancer," he witnessed the plight of a homeless individual forsaken by society near a medical college in Kolkata. Determined to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, Somen sought answers from his teachers, but their inadequate responses spurred him to undergo special training from the Society of West Bengal State AIDS Control (WBSACS). Thus, he began his awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS in his school, driven by the urgency to address the stigma and ignorance surrounding this preventable disease. Propelled by a vision, he expanded his campaign beyond Indian borders, aiming to impact a global audience.
Throughout his awe-inspiring journey, Somen Debnath encountered numerous challenges, trials, and tribulations. One significant incident was his capture by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2007. Held captive for 24 harrowing days, he faced constant fear and uncertainty. However, his courage, dedication to peace, and commitment to non-violence eventually led to his release. His unwavering spirit and resilience exemplify the triumph of human courage over adversity.
In an interview with Gday India in Melbourne, Somen Debnath shed light on his life-changing experiences and offered valuable insights gained from his global travels:
Q: Having visited numerous countries, how has your perception of the world changed?
A: Yes! It changed a lot. I have learned to live life in a positive and optimistic way.
Q: What was the most extreme challenge you faced during your tour and how did you overcome it?
A: Living with a dream. I love to live life and strive for balance with experiences.
Q: Were there any moments during your tour when you felt like giving up? What motivated and kept you going despite the challenges and obstacles you encountered along the way?
A: I never think of giving up. Challenges are experiences that I embrace. I love to take on challenges and live with them. "The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong" as said by Swami Vivekananda.
Q: What are your impressions of Australia and its people? Did you come across any unique experiences or interactions during your time there?
A: Australian people are friendly, hospitable, love to explore the world, enjoy sports, and have a passion for travel. I admire their positive and optimistic way of thinking.
Q: As you near the end of your tour and head back to India, what is the thing you missed the most about your home country during your travels?
A: I don't miss anything in India. I consider India to be present in every country I visit. I want to return to India because I made a promise to my country, and I intend to keep that promise.
Somen Debnath's exceptional journey, from being held captive by the Taliban to traveling thousands of kilometers, stands as a testament to human resilience, determination, and the power of raising awareness for causes that matter. His experiences and encounters have shaped his perspective, fostering a global belief in peace and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds. As his mission continues to inspire and educate others, Somen Debnath's remarkable tale of courage and compassion unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
By Tonee Sethi
