Bengal man walks 5,000 kilometres to raise awareness on COVID-19

A 59-year-old man from West Bengal has walked over 5,000 kilometres in the last three months, covering all four metro cities, to raise awareness on COVID-19.

A man from West Bengal has walked over 5,000 kilometres in the last three months, covering all four metro cities, to raise awareness on COVID-19.

After completing his long tour, Thakurdas Sasmal, is now in Vizag on his way back to Kolkata.

The 59-year-old farmer, who founded the Village Bikers Club at Udaynarayanpur in Howrah in 2003, had earlier toured India on bike and on cycle, championing the cause of organ donation.

This time he commenced his tour on August 25, walking around 0 to 60 kilometres daily, usually staying in tents and mostly cooking his own food, to spread awareness among people about COVID-19.

Thakurdas Sasmal said, “I do not have much formal education. I studied till class VII and got into agricultural activities in my village. But I have a passion to see my country and take up some important cause to raise awareness as I travel.”

Speaking about Hos Village Bikers Club, the 59-year-old farmer said the club, which had started in 2003 with just a dozen members, now boasts of around 800 members hailing from various villages and districts of West Bengal and other states.

“Hundreds of members from across India meet annually at WB Riders Meet every January. We have 40 active members, who have sponsored my trips. We are also in touch with other riding communities. Like in Vizag, it is the Naked Wolves Biking Community with whom I coordinated this time, “says Thakurdas Sasmal.