MAN CYCLES FROM INDIA TO SWAZILAND

MBABANE – In what is an incredible mission, an Indian national, Somen Debnath, has, after 10 years of gruelling  cycling, finally reached Swaziland from his native country in an ‘Around the World on Bicycle’ tour for  an HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign.

Debnath (31) arrived in the country on Monday afternoon through the Mhlumeni Border Gate with his luggage on his back and on either side of his bicycle. He had already cycled through other African countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Morocco and Mozambique to name a few.

His incredibly exhaustive mission began in 2004. Even more astounding is that he only expects to finish his tour and be back in India on May 27, 2020 – significantly the same date he started his journey for an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign and what he humbly calls a cultural exchange programme.

“I love people and nature. I decided that as HIV/AIDS was killing millions around the world, we must do something. I chose to get on my bicycle and engage in this mission to cycle around the world to create awareness about the scourge, while at the same time promoting my culture while learning other cultures,” he said.

The amazing man said Swaziland was his 17th African country and the 93rd he has cycled to in the world as his mission continues.
“I have my family behind me. Since I left them 10 years ago, it has been incredible meeting very top people like kings, presidents and ministers and some very nice and cultured individuals across Africa. People are so friendly here and I have fond memories of the way I was received after entering the Mhlumeni Border.”

During his five-day stay in the country, he hopes to meet with the King, the PM and some Cabinet ministers in particular Health Minister Sibongile Simelane. Upon arrival in Mbabane, he was received by his country’s Consul and Indonesian Consul Kareem Ashraff who are also helping him meet the country’s authorities and government.

Asked if the journey was sponsored, he said it was people-sponsored.
“What happens is each kilometre covered sells for one Euro and the people buying the kilometres are businesspeople, individuals and companies through my website and email which is publicised by the media that has helped my drive a lot everywhere I have been now,” he said.
Asked what would then happen with the money, he said every country he cycles to, he takes a fold of soil which he will use back in India as an honour and respect for the countries that will by 2020 be members of a Global Village in India for old-age people and orphans.

“The soil will be at the centre of the village once it is completed in remembrance, respect and honour to all the 191 countries I hope to cover, God willing,” he explained, adding that  the village would be a representative of all the countries with schools, clinics, kitchens and ablutions.

In the end, he has to cover 200 000km by cycling to around 191 countries around the world. Worth mentioning is that his arrival here coincides with the Swazis4Zero HIV campaign which runs until end of November.
(More details will be published in tomorrow’s edition)

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