Students in Kaladhungi heard first-hand accounts of an extraordinary cycling expedition when Somen Devanath visited the town during his current journey across India. The Sundarbans resident has travelled through 191 countries by bicycle and is now taking his experiences to communities across the country.
During the interaction, Devanath spoke about the challenges and lessons gathered during his long international journey. He also encouraged students to think about environmental protection, healthy living, social harmony and the role young people can play in public life.
From awareness campaign to global expedition
Devanath began cycling on 27 May 2004. His initial journeys focused on spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS in India and neighbouring areas.
He expanded the effort into a global cycling expedition in 2006. Over approximately 19 years, he covered around 2 lakh kilometres and visited 191 countries. His route reached all 7 continents and several island regions, according to the available account of his journey.
Devanath returned to his home in Basanti, West Bengal, on 17 December 2023. His travel through schools, colleges and social organisations also gave him opportunities to continue discussing HIV/AIDS awareness.
Experiences shared with students
The cyclist described several demanding episodes from his travels. These included being detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, riding a bicycle across Antarctic ice and dealing with circumstances during the coronavirus period.
The experiences gave the students an opportunity to ask questions about the practical difficulties of travelling across different countries and regions. They listened with interest and sought details about the journey and its wider purpose.
India tour focuses on youth and environment
Devanath is now cycling through 28 states and 5 Union territories under the “Reunion Bharat-one Tree, one Life, Indian Youth and Sports” campaign. The initiative focuses on environmental awareness, young people, sports and social unity.
His Kaladhungi programme connected the international journey with the current national campaign. The interaction used his travel experiences as a way to discuss healthier lifestyles, environmental responsibility and greater participation by youth.
The India tour follows the completion of his earlier world expedition. Rather than travelling overseas, Devanath is now taking the campaign across the country and meeting students along the route.
Conclusion
Somen Devanath’s Kaladhungi visit brought his 191-country cycling experience before students while advancing a campaign centred on the environment, sports, healthy living, youth and social unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is Somen Devanath?
Somen Devanath is a resident of the Sundarbans in West Bengal who has travelled through 191 countries by bicycle.
Q. When did Devanath begin cycling for awareness work?
He started his cycling campaign on 27 May 2004, initially focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness in India and neighbouring areas.
Q. When did his world cycling expedition begin?
He began the global cycling expedition in 2006.
Q. How far did Devanath travel during the expedition?
He travelled approximately 2 lakh kilometres over around 19 years.
Q. When did he return to his home in West Bengal?
He returned to his home in Basanti on 17 December 2023.
Q. What difficult experiences did he discuss in Kaladhungi?
He spoke about detention by the Taliban in Afghanistan, cycling on Antarctic ice and experiences during the coronavirus period.
Q. What is Devanath doing now?
He is cycling through 28 states and 5 Union territories under the “Reunion Bharat-one Tree, one Life, Indian Youth and Sports” campaign.
Q. What are the campaign’s main themes?
The campaign promotes environmental awareness, youth, sports and social unity.
