ADVENTURE ON A BICYCLE

Moushumi Sen

Ram Chandra Biswas from Uttarpara, West Bengal has logged 588350 kms (almost equalliga a return journey from the moon),visited 156 countries ,speaks 10 languages and is an honorary citizen on four counties . We caught up with the special traveller at Kota and Bundi and explored his interesting mission :

Nearly 26 years ago Ram Chandra Biswas jumped on his bicyel with just Rs nine in his pocket and began his journey to spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood. Over the years, he has changed three bicycles, but his sinewy legs are not yet weary. They still keep pumping the pedal taking him to diverse destinations. Currently he is sharing his experiences with the school children and inspiring them to do well in life.

Giving a glimpse of his travel travails, Ram Chandra says "he was inspired by a hermit in Bardhaman district to do something different". Then a strapping 28 year old, he was also overcome by a stong sense of wanderlust. He decided to take the unique adventure on a bicycle. "what is life? We came to the earth empty -handed and will not take any-thing with us after death. So why all this war, bloodshed, jealousy?" asks the stong believer in universal brotherhood and love . I can't explain how I managed without money . But nobody ever asked to me to pay a penny." he says. He began his globetrotting adventure from Kenya . Since then he has been moving from one country to the other meeting the common and the noble". He reached Rajasthan a few days back and was overwhelmed with the city's hospitality and the serene temperament. . As on date he has visited almost 2272 cities and exotic places round the world and remote places like the South and the north Pole,Greenland ,Alaska, Siberia, Sahara ,Amazon and the seven wonders of the world " What a wonderful place our earth is .I have seen places with 24 hours of sunshine and others with an unending night, and the extreme weather conditions " he comments . Now in his fities, the "bicycle man " refuses to "stop till die" That proves his indomitable spirit, which saved him some unpleasant situations during his trip . " There are 44 more countries to be covered. I would also like to register my name in the Guinness book by covering six lakh kms.After completing my mission in the next five year I would like to write a book carrying an account on my sojourns" he adds. The very passionate Biswas, who earlier worked as a postal messenger , a photo grapher, painter, a gymnast , a magican and is also a wonderful cook . But he does not eat outside and cooks his own meals including tea. During his stay in Kota and Bundi and other places in the hadoti region he took out some time to present many wonderful dishes in his unimitable style to the hosts besides sharing wonderful moments with the school chilren who were ecstatic with his presence . "The region around Kota is very peaceful and I have especially enjoyed interacting with the kids here" he says .