Somen Debnath left home in 2004, promising himself he would travel to 191 countries on his bicycle.
The 20-year-old’s intention was to spread awareness about HIV/Aids around the world, then a deadly epidemic in India and other countries.
Two decades later, the threat from the killer virus seems to be receding, with promising medical advances, but it’s too early to declare victory, and his mission continues.
On Aug 1, Mr Debnath, now 39, from Basanti, a deltaic island in West Bengal’s Sundarbans, flew in from Australia. Singapore is his 181st stop.
“I visited schools, colleges and institutions across Singapore talking about HIV/AIDS and spreading the message that prevention is better than cure,” he told tabla!. “There are almost 39 million people living with HIV/Aids around the world. I want to tell them that they’re not alone.”
Mr Debnath also talks about Indian culture, customs and traditions.
“Whether it is cinema or literature, India has lots to offer,” he said. “(Indian culture) is centuries old and has withstood the test of conquerors and time.”
Mr Debnath, who has a degree in zoology from the University of Kolkata and another in fine arts from Kolkata’s Sarbabharatiya university, was inspired to embark on his journey at 14, when he read an article entitled “Aids is more deadly than cancer”. The person referred to in the article was homeless and often sat in front of a medical college in Kolkata, left to die alone.
“I began to ask my teachers at school about HIV/Aids and why this person had to go through so much pain and suffering,” said Mr Debnath. No one could provide a satisfactory answer.
“So, at 16, I began to work and do research on HIV/Aids. I then educated my school, village and community. I followed that up by cycling across my state, my country and the world.”
Mr Debnath was also inspired by Indian monk and philosopher Swami Vivekananda, who said that “if you want to see the world, see India”, and the Indian globetrotter Bimal Mukherjee, who visited more than 80 countries on a bicycle from 1926 to 1937.
From 2004 to 2007, Mr Debnath travelled across India’s 28 states and five Union Territories; 2007-2009 to 23 countries in Asia; 2009-2012 to 50 countries in Europe; 2012-2015 to 52 countries in Africa and eight in the Middle East; 2015-2020 to 48 countries, mostly in South and North America. He even went to Greenland and Antarctica.
In 2020-2021 he was stuck in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then he cycled across Australia and Oceania. From Singapore, he will go on to Malaysia and other South-east Asian countries, before returning to India.
“It’s been tough,” said Mr Debnath. “I was held 28 times at gunpoint, robbed 18 times and beaten up.
“The worst was in 2009 when I strayed into Taliban territory in Herat, Afghanistan, 138km from Kabul.
“The Taliban, taking me to be a spy, put me in a dark dungeon for 24 days, before I could prove my innocence. I have a talent for cooking hot, spicy dishes, and I made mutton curry for them. They were impressed and let me go.”
Mr Debnath, who has encountered wild animals and other dangerous situations on the road several times, reckons that Europe, Central Asia and South America are the most dangerous regions to travel alone.
“Africa was the finest continent,” he said. “It is poor, but the people are friendly and the most civilised.”
Singapore was a “safe heaven”. “It is so orderly and people are so friendly and supporting,” said Mr Debnath, whose accommodation and food for two weeks was provided by the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB). “The young people genuinely care for what I’m saying and love to learn more about India.”
CSGB’s secretary Manmohan Singh found Mr Debnath’s world journey “incredible”.
“He has lived a simple life without seeking wealth,” said Mr Singh. “This is in line with (founder of Sikhism) Guru Nanak’s teachings.
“We conducted an ardass (prayers) before Mr Somen departed Singapore for the last leg of his monumental journey.”
After returning to India, Mr Debnath, whose mother lives in Kolkata, plans to start a global village, probably in one of the northern states.
“I started my journey with just US$17 in my pocket,” he said. “People all along the way have been supporting me, giving me cash or what I need... sometimes flight tickets, equipment.
“I have made so many friends. We have so much to share. In my global village, we will all eat together and come up with creative ideas and be positive in our thoughts and actions.”
Mr Debnath has no doubts about the path he chose. “I never planned that I will study, then get a job, marry, bring up children and die,” he said. “I never wanted to lead that kind of life...
“I am super free. My travels taught me to dream, take decisions and be determined, disciplined and dedicated. That is my PhD.”
