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Cyclists on a peace mission

Kendrapara: A trio of cyclists, including a girl, who left home six years ago to spread the message of world peace and communal harmony, reached Orissa on the final leg of their ‘Bharat Darshan’ this week-end.

Ranjit Bacchan, Bijendra Kumar Mishra and Kalindi Sharma from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh reached this district headquarters town in Orissa.

The three adventurers pedalled about one lakh km across 30 states and five union territories.

“We have almost covered the entire country. Orissa is our last destination. The journey has been adventurous and painstaking. We have been warmly received wherever we have gone,” they said. The three set out on February 4, 2002. Their parents were initially hesitant. “But, once they gave consent, we never looked back,” said Bacchan.

“We left home six years ago and are now longing to return, though we are neither fatigued nor exhausted,” the team members said. They described their journey through the scenic and beautiful mountainous terrain of Manipur, Meghalaya and other north-eastern states as most exciting. They, however, could not go to some places in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

“On our next journey we will cycle to Bangladesh and Mynmar. We will soon seek clearance from the External Affairs Ministry for this,” Bacchan said. PTI

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