Bengal trio cycles 900 km on Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh trail for environmental awareness

Three adventurers from Bengal—mountaineer Malay Mukherjee, journalist Debashis Chakraborty, and environmentalist Parthapratim Hajra—are cycling 900 km across Vietnam’s historic Ho Chi Minh Trail to promote environmental awareness. The expedition, named the ‘Bharat-Viet Friendship Campaign,’ began on February 10 and is expected to conclude in eight days. The team is carrying placards, T-shirts, and leaflets with messages encouraging tree conservation and environmental protection.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical supply route during the Vietnam War, runs through Laos and Cambodia, connecting North and South Vietnam. It was used by North Vietnamese forces to transport troops and supplies during the conflict. The trio’s journey covers this challenging terrain, known for its rugged paths and historical significance. Malay Mukherjee claims they are the first Indian team to cycle the entire trail.

The expedition was officially flagged off on February 1 by Bengal Minister Aroop Roy and Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Tripathi. On February 9, the team arrived in Hanoi and completed administrative formalities before setting off on their journey the next day. Before starting, they participated in a flag exchange ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Vietnam.

According to Parthapratim Hajra, the group has been engaging with local schools and organizations along the route to spread awareness about environmental conservation. Debashis Chakraborty stated that he has previously participated in multiple cycling expeditions in Bengal, where he distributed awareness materials and interacted with school students about sustainability.

If the journey proceeds as planned, the team is expected to return to India on February 19. The cyclists have been documenting their experiences and interactions along the way while braving unpredictable weather conditions. Their route follows the historical trail that played a crucial role in Vietnam’s history, combining adventure with an environmental message.