On September 20, 2015, activists Ajit Baral, 28, and his elder brother Dr Amrit Baral, 30, set out on an ambitious mission to cycle around the world, with three missions: “To save the environment; to raise awareness on HIV Aids and to eradicate the stigma attached to it; and to promote Nepal as the country of Everest and Buddha.” During a year-long journey they travelled across 16 countries, and participated in numerous programmes in line with their goals. The brothers, after pedaling some 20,000 miles, returned to Nepal in September, and are currently planning the next chapter of their journey. The duo talks to the Post about their journey and its motives, inspirations and major takeaways. Excerpts:

What made you decide to take on this arduous journey?

Our mission is directly concerned with the profession we are into (Amrit Baral is a medical doctor and Ajit, an environmental activist).

On the environmental front, there are such issues as global warming and pollution that, not only Nepal, but the world, is grappling with. While on the public health front, there are some bitter realities amid us; but mainly, we were concerned about the condition of HIV AIDS victims in Nepal: there are cases where the victims have been neglected by the family or society. We chose cycling across the world to raise awareness about the issues.

Do you consider the journey successful to have been successful so far?

Throughout our journey, we attended numerous events that supported our cause. While in India, we participated in an event about HIV AIDS, organised by the members of Red Cross Society. We met organisers, who were researching on quality of life of people living with HIV AIDS, and shared our views on how to improve the current picture. When in Sri Lanka, we participated in a mountain cleaning programme at Mt Lavinia. Likewise, in Myanmar, we volunteered at a hospital in Thawarba Welfare Village. These are just few examples. Wherever we have gone, we have received great support from locals, which has been an affirmation that our journey has been fruitful.

What were some of the challenges that you encountered along the way?

In the early days, when we were travelling across India, many thought that our mission was foolhardy. We even had several people hurl some nasty and cynical remarks our way. We also were robbed of our bags and belongings while in Bihar while we faced some problem at the Cambodian Immigration Office. And then of course, it took some time before people came to understand our mission and joined hands with us.

But the challenges never deterred us from our mission.

What are your upcoming ventures?

There are a few events in the pipeline, here at home. On November 26, with the slogan “Pedal for sustainable future and domestic tourism: We cycle to recycle,” we’ll be setting out on a 30 km cycle ride, starting from Patan. We will also be conducting free medical camps in districts such as Sindhupalchowk, Syangja and Tanahun. There is also a cycle tour to promote internal tourism; we’ll be pedaling from Mechi to Mahakali, before we set out on another round of world cycle tour.