Somen Debnath
Somen Debnath (born 8 May 1983) is an Indian activist for HIV / AIDS awareness. He is currently travelling around the world on bicycle with the purpose to promote a program entitled “Around the World on Bicycle Tour for HIV / AIDS Awareness and Seminars on Indian Culture 2004 - 2020”.
Biography
Somen Debnath, son of Shova Debnath and of Ram Mohan Debnath, is a resident of the village Basanti, South 24 Parganas in Sundarbans, West Bengal, India. He studied Zoology, Geology & Anthropology at the University of Calcutta and has a degree in Fine Arts from the Sarba Bhartiya University.[1]
At the age of 16 he enrolled for specialty training at West Bengal State AIDS Control Society. Consequently, he became an activist for HIV / AIDS awareness and he started doing voluntary and charity work, first in his village and then in all Indian provinces[2]
Around the world on a bicycle (2004 - 2020)
On the 27 May 2004, Debnath started a global tour with the goal to visit every country by 2020 while spreading his message about HIV / AIDS awareness and social inclusion. He gives lectures in schools, universities, NGOs, and other institutions.[3][1]. The focus of Debnath's program is on "underprivileged people, urban, rural and tribal population worldwide who have the lowest level of awareness about this deadly disease."[4][1][5]
During his travel in Afghanistan in 2009 he was kept in captivity 24 days by the Taliban.[6][7][8]
As of May 2015 Debnath had travelled to 81 countries.[9][10]
References
- ^ a b c http://www.somendebnath.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Somen-Debnath_Presentation_Press-Kit_2013-new.pdf
- ^ Somen Debnath. "Social work, humanitarian & charity activities". Somen Debnath's Blog. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Despre HIV/SIDA cu Somen Debnath". Clubul de Asistenţă Socială. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Cycling Around the World to Empower Youth in Promoting HIV/AIDS Awareness". afdb.org. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Meet Somen Debnath - The Indian cyclist who is spreading AIDS awareness in Africa". thehealthsite.com. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "'I was imprisoned by the Taliban'". the Guardian. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Taliban captive won his release by cooking curry". Telegraph.co.uk. 6 November 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Taliban's Indian captive won his release by cooking curry". Thaindian News. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Sudan Vision Daily - Details". sudanvisiondaily.com. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ Clement Uwiringiyimana. "Determined to raise HIV awareness, Indian rides bike across 86 countries". The New Times Rwanda. Retrieved 23 May 2015.