By TC News Desk
Agartala, 9th August 2024: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy expressed his immense pride in honoring Bapi Debnath, a talented cyclist who has accomplished an extraordinary feat. Debnath, originally from Tripura’s Agartala, has become the third Indian and the first Bengali to reach the base camp of Mount Everest on a single-gear cycle.
Minister Roy, visibly thrilled, praised Debnath’s determination and adventurous spirit, stating, “Bapi’s achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His journey from Kolkata to the Everest base camp on a single-gear bicycle is not just a physical triumph but a symbol of courage and dedication. We are immensely proud to have a son of our soil achieve such a remarkable milestone.”
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishment, Roy, on behalf of the state government, presented Debnath with a cheque of Rs. 25,000. The gesture was made on the instructions of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the cyclist. “Bapi has not only made his state proud but has also brought glory to the entire nation,” Roy added.
Bapi Debnath, who has been residing in Kolkata for several years and is associated with the theatre group A Bong Positive, embarked on this challenging journey on May 21. He cycled through key locations including Benaras, Ayodhya, Sonauli Border, Kathmandu, and Namche Bazaar before reaching the Everest base camp on July 14 at 10:55 AM IST. His journey, spanning nearly two months, has set a world record, making him the 8th cyclist globally to accomplish this feat.
In a video message shared from the base camp, Debnath dedicated his journey to his father and expressed his surprise at the recognition of his achievement. “I never expected to create a world record. I only came to know about it from the officials at the checkpoints and base camp. This record is for my homelands, Tripura and Kolkata, and for all Bengalis across the globe,” he said.
Debnath’s remarkable journey has not only highlighted his personal achievement but has also inspired countless others with his story of resilience and determination.
