Pushkar Journeys On | Pushkar's Diary

His journey began on November, 1998, and seven years later, after touring a staggering total of about 1,60,000 kilometers across 70 countries in Asia, Asia-Pacific, North America and South America, including a recent venture into the dark continent of Africa, Pushkar Shah is back in Nepal. Not for long, though. In March, he will resume the mission he has boldly undertaken, a mission that seems to us like something out of a storybook- traveling around the world to convey the message of peace: on a bicycle.

While most would assume he'd always imagined himself doing this, Pushkar is quick to explain. "I wanted to be a teacher," he remembers. "But when I saw my degree gathering dust in the closet, I knew I was wasting precious time." Time, he realized, he could use in doing something meaningful- both personally and for his country. That was when the idea of an 11 year World Tour representing everything important to him, a purpose in life, an adventure, and the message of peace. Despite a rocky beginning, mainly due to insufficient finances, Pushkar was determined to prove that sheer willpower and resolve would lead him to victory.

Money wasn't the only issue, however. He suffered initial reservations, doubts, most of which were evoked by the attitudes of people towards the project. "They thought I'd lost my mind," he laughs. But that wouldn't dampen his enthusiasm. His belief in his dreams and in himself left no room for skepticism; it carried him through some rough times, and he has never had to look back.

The journey in itself involves much more than just a flair for adventure and Pushkar had to learn that the hard way. Countering several obstacles that took him by surprise, he knows better than to take things for granted. "Life is unpredictable," he says. "I see clear evidence of that every single day on the road." Though he claims he doesn't need much, just enough food and water for a day, a little cash and a place to sleep, he admits there were times when even these weren't at hand. In fact, he recalls several occasions where he had to starve for days on end. He generally begs for food and money wherever he goes, and in describing it, marvels at how compassionate people are, because most of them are willing to donate whatever they can for his cause. "I never hesitate in accepting gifts," he reflects. "And I allow myself to appreciate their generosity and concern. It's what keeps me going."

But traveling has become easier. According to Pushkar; he's grown used to the exertion and the inconveniences. Also interesting, is the change in people's opinions of what he's doing. They're more supportive now, more cooperative, and witnessing this change has been one of his greatest achievements. Traveling this way, getting to mingle with countless races, has given him an insight into the role that the surroundings, culture and religion play in shaping the kind of people living in a certain area. He refuses to make rigid generalizations though, and elaborates on the positive and negative traits in people. "I've received my share of appreciative emails and a few threatening ones," he confides, smiling. "But most people I've come into contact with have been encouraging, and it's nice to know I inspire them in my own way."

On sharing his fondest memories of the tour so far, Pushkar recalls the time he met Sir Edmund Hillary in New Zealand in 2002. He'd lost his bicycle, and when Hillary heard about it from the authorities, he bought Pushkar a new one. "It was like a dream," he sighs nostalgically. "Even now, when I'm on my cycle, I feel his presence beside me." He describes the horror of being held at gunpoint while being mugged in New York three years ago. When he told his assaulter that he didn't have the $10 he wanted, the crook remarked that it wasn't right for someone without so much as $10 to go on living. Pushkar ended up handing him a $20 bill but unfortunately wasn't returned his $10. "He promised he wouldn't mug me a second time if we were to meet again," he adds, laughing.

Being kidnapped in Mexico is another one of his favorite tales. A knife was held against his throat, both he and his cycle were hauled onto a truck. A three-hour drive later, he was allowed to sit up, and his heart sank at the sight of the jungle they were in. "But I told myself, I would not let them kill me like an animal," he says. "If I went down, I was going down fighting." He wrestled his way out of the truck, and following a fight that lasted about 10 seconds, he fled. Pushkar believes he'd have been killed for sure had he lost hope, and remembering that evokes in him a greater sense of self-belief and respect.

While pedaling through Thamel a few days ago, he was stopped by a man who said he wanted to contribute some money. Pushkar accepted, but when he was handed $100, he was surprised. As it turns out, the man was Rajiv Kafle, an HIV positive AIDS activist. "You can guess how that made me feel," Pushkar says, recalling the incident.

Pushkar's family comprises of his mother and his brother. When asked about his marital status, he claims to be 'half-married' though one can only imagine what that means. Living away from home does deprive him of time with his family and friends, but on the bright side, he's made a lot of new friends all over the world, and they're almost like family. But does he have any qualms about the media's scrutiny on his private affairs? After about 300 newspaper interviews and many appearances on both radio and television the world over, his life is literally an open book. But Pushkar doesn't consider it a breach on his privacy, instead believes that this medium of expression gives volume to his voice. "Being in this limelight only helps me convey my message more effectively and more rapidly to the masses," he explains. "How could I complain about that?"

If you thought he would take it easy after the world tour is over, think again. Because Pushkar is already planning his next project- climbing Mount Everest. Though not a professional, he's trekked plenty in his lifetime. In 2010, he hopes to scale Everest, and plant flags of all the countries he's visited on the peak. Wise, humble, full of life, with a contagious laugh
and an even contagious joie de vivre, he's truly inspirational.

Come meet Pushkar Shah!
On 5 March, Pushkar is holding an exhibition of his collections [currency, number plates, beer caps etc.] from the many countries that he has travelled through. Visit the exhibition and meet the peace cyclist at Yala Maya Kendra [next to Patan Dhoka Post Office]. A musical program by singer and songwriter Ramesh will also be hosted during the exhibition which starts at 1 PM.