বাংলায় পড়ুন
Bengali adventurer Somen Debnath has returned home to Bengal after an extraordinary 19-year, 7-month journey, cycling through all 191 countries. His mission was to spread AIDS awareness across the globe.
Debnath's cycling odyssey began with a solemn vow to combat HIV/AIDS. He traversed continents, starting in Asia, covering 24 countries, then venturing into Europe, addressing audiences in 45 nations about the perils of the deadly virus.
The 191st country on his itinerary was Bangladesh, where he received a warm welcome at Dum Dum Airport from his family and well-wishers. This unique journey, initiated in 2004, has seen Debnath crisscross the world, leaving an indelible mark in communities, schools, colleges, and social organizations.
His commitment to AIDS awareness led him to undergo special training from the Regional AIDS Control Society. Armed with knowledge, he embarked on a mission to educate people globally about HIV/AIDS, covering more than 200,000 kilometers on his bicycle.
Debnath's efforts haven't gone unnoticed; world leaders, diplomats, and fellow Indians abroad have supported his cause. His journey embraced diversity, connecting with people from all walks of life and cultures, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered.
Back in Sonarpur, Debnath plans to establish a museum to display artefacts collected during his global travels. Additionally, he envisions creating a global village to support AIDS-affected individuals. Despite facing challenges, including imprisonment in Taliban-controlled areas and surviving COVID-19 in China, Debnath remains undeterred.
As he takes a brief hiatus, Debnath reflects on his extraordinary experiences and prepares to share them through writing. His adventure will be immortalized in a book, recounting encounters with Taliban captors, nights spent with Eskimos in Greenland, and bonding with Maasai tribes in Kenya.
On December 17, Debnath will culminate his journey with a symbolic 20-kilometer bicycle ride from Canning to his birthplace, Basanti, inviting locals and well-wishers to join in the celebration. Foreign friends, including Oman's Princess Nadya, are attending to meet and highlight the global impact of Somen Debnath's incredible journey.
