Cyclist who covered 191 countries in 19 years now on India tour to promote drug-free youth

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Dharamshala , August 13

Somen Debnath, a cyclist from West Bengal’s Sundarbans, who travelled across 191 countries over 19 years, is now undertaking an extensive tour of India to spread messages of national unity, environmental conservation and sports while urging young people to stay away from drugs.

Debnath said he began his current journey from Sundarbans and plans to cover all 28 states and five Union Territories. His route includes Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Dwarka to Kamakhya and Arunachal Pradesh to Mizoram. His campaign focuses on ‘Reunion India’, ‘One Tree, One Life’ and ‘Indian Youth and Sports’.

Between 2004 and 2023, Debnath travelled nearly two lakh kilometres by bicycle while covering 191 countries. He said the global expedition was marked by several challenges, including being held captive by the Taliban for 24 days in Afghanistan. His belongings were also looted several times during the journey.

Despite the difficulties, Debnath said the support he received from local residents, Indian communities and Indian diplomatic missions in different countries remained one of the most memorable aspects of his expedition. He said he also received assistance from local administrations during his travels.

Debnath said he used eight bicycles during his world tour. Three were stolen in Bulgaria, Poland and Germany, while the remaining five have been preserved at his museum as reminders of his journey.

During his international expedition, Debnath said he met around 36 heads of state, 72 prime ministers and six kings. He described these interactions as an important part of his experience of travelling across different cultures and countries.

Speaking about his current India tour, Debnath said encouraging the younger generation to stay away from drugs and become involved in sports was one of the main objectives of his campaign. He appealed to young people to avoid substance abuse, take up sports and work towards building a better future for themselves and the country.

He said he was also promoting the message of a ‘Drug-Free India’ through his journey and using cycling as a means to connect with people and spread awareness.

Debnath said he normally covers 80 to 100 kilometres a day on his bicycle. While travelling through cities, his daily distance is usually between 20 and 60 kilometres, whereas on long stretches he can cover 150 to 200 kilometres or even more in a day.

He said his journey was not simply about covering geographical distances but about inspiring young people, promoting India’s unity and creating greater awareness about environmental protection and sports.