Differently abled Chitra Poudel cycles around the world spreading message of peace and love |30 June 2023

Messrs Poudel and Basnet with members of the local Nepalese community

On a mission to become the first differently abled person to cycle around the world, and earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, Nepalese Chitra Poudel is presently in the country where he is starting the African tour of his challenge.

Mr Poudel, who is being accompanied on the journey by Ram Kaji Basnet, has just completed his Gulf tour which ended in Oman.

From Seychelles, the duo will conquer the roads of Kenya, on their way to South Africa, and other countries on the continent, before heading to America and Australia.

A polio victim, Mr Poudel has so far covered 80 countries on his bicycle since taking on the challenge in 2004, under the slogan ‘World Peace and Developing Disabled People’s Confidence’.

From Morang, East of Kathmandu, Mr Poudel was infected with polio when he was five years old.

Mr Poudel said a person’s biggest asset is his confidence, and he wants to set an example that the disabled can also do physically and mentally enduring things.

During their stay in the country, Mr Poudel and his companion will also visit facilities related to people living with disabilities, give talks and words of encouragements, while spreading the message of peace and love.

They will also bring the challenge to Praslin where they will add some more mileage to the challenge.

The trip to Seychelles has been made possible with the support of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA – NNC Seychelles) which is assisting with all logistics, including food and accommodation, as well as funding support for the tour.

Roland Duval