Around the World in 11 Years: Nepal Native Calls for Peace

Candace Braun

From the foothills of the Himalayas, to the islands of Fiji, to the sandy deserts of Arizona, Nepal native Pushkar Shah is on a mission to travel to 150 countries in 11 years, promoting peace around the world. And he intends to ride his bike the whole way.

Mr. Shah, 36, has already been on his journey for six years and seen 60 countries along the way. These include 22 Asian countries, 14 Caribbean countries. New Zealand, and countries in South and Central America.

Mr. Shah stopped at Borough Hall in Princeton on Friday, April 30, after visiting Vermont. Once he visits New York City for his second time, he will travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and parts of the Midwest and West Coast. Afterwards he will leave for Africa.

Once he completes his journey in 2009, Mr. Shah will climb Mount Everest, located near his hometown in Nepal. He will take with him the flags he has gathered from every country he has visited to represent the unity of all countries of the world.

Mr. Shah is following the mission of his father, who was on a peacekeeping mission in 1986 when he was killed by terrorists.

"As a young man, I experienced first-hand what it is like to lose a loved one to senseless violence," said Mr. Shah.

Mr. Shah became involved in the 1990 peoples movement for democracy while studying at the University in Kathmandu. It was then he realized that the movement wasn't enough to keep peace alive.

"I was arrested, beaten, and tortured many times by the police during that time and on one occasion, was shot in the hand," said Mr. Shah. "After that incident ... I began to think about what I could do to make a difference."

Mr. Shah said he felt riding his bike and meeting people face to face would be the best way to convey his message of peace: "I felt that this would be the best way to go everywhere. Door to door, step by step, talking to people about world peace and global unity."

World Traveler

The traveler has had quite an adventure, which he has recorded in journals and published on his website, www.pushkarshah.com. He also said he intends to write a book of his journey once his travels are complete.

With no official sponsors, Mr. Shah said that most days he must rely on the kindness of others for food and shelter: "I usually live day-to-day and hand-to-mouth, with a very small cash reserve for an unforeseen emergency. Sometimes I am offered complimentary food, lodging, or other opportunities which I graciously accept. At other times, I am looking for a safe place to pitch my tent, and there have been times when I don't know how or when I will be able to get my next meal."

Mr. Shah was well received at Borough Hall, where he received donations to continue his journey.

Among his many travels, Mr. Shah stayed for a month in New York City in 2001. However that month happened to surround September 11th. In his journal he wrote about the events that took place that day and the days following it.

"During my one-month stay in the city victimized by terrorism, I saw and learned a lot inspiring me to continue my search for peace," he wrote.

Ironically, Mr. Shah had intended to visit the World Trade Center the day the terrorist attacks took place.

A New Mission

While travelling the world, Mr. Shah has discovered a new mission to promote, one that was started by his native people. The Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) has a mission to eradicate preventable and curable blindness in the Himalayas.

Just last month, Mr. Shah revisited Vermont to meet with people associated with this project and find out how he can help assist the group. He is now revisiting various parts of the world to spread his new message, and will participate in a charity bike ride from New York to California to benefit HCP.

"I am now not only spreading the message of peace around the world, but also serving as a goodwill ambassador for the Himalayan Cataract Project," said Mr. Shah.

HCP is establishing sustainable eye care in Nepal, Tibet, China, Bhutan, India, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Pakistan. Started in 1994, the program has now restored eyesight to thousands of blind people, according to its website, www.cureblindness.org.

"Nepal is now the first country in the region in which the rate of cataract operations each year surpasses the number of new cases," said Mr. Shah.

Mr. Shah said that the one thing he definitely has learned on his journey is that plans change, and one must always be prepared for the unexpected. But despite what obstacles may fall in his way, he will continue to promote his message.

"Despite all the twists and turns and bumps in the proverbial road, the goal of my journey remains unchanged. I continue, in the best way I am able, to spread the message of peace and to promote my beloved country of Nepal," he said.