Prabir and Sanjukta Mitra, a Bengali couple based in the UK, embarked on a 100-day, 27,000km overland expedition from King’s Lynn to Kolkata to raise awareness about diabetes. The journey, designed to follow the ancient Silk Route through 20 countries, took an unexpected turn when a navigational error pushed them 430km off course in Uzbekistan.
The couple, travelling in their Toyota Hilux nicknamed ‘Chetak’, arrived at Kyzyl Kala, a remote village far from their intended stop at Karakalpakstan’s Qizil Qala fortress. Instead of frustration, they found themselves warmly embraced by locals who regarded them as guests from «the land of Babur», the 15th-century founder of the Mughal empire and a celebrated figure in Uzbekistan.
«We became representatives of a land they deeply respect,» Sanjukta recalled.
Villagers extended hospitality and invited them to meals, leaving the couple humbled by the unexpected recognition. The irony was not lost on them, as their vehicle carried the name of Maharana Pratap’s famed warhorse, a historical adversary of Babur’s descendants.
Though the trip was rich in cultural connections, the Mitras’ mission was centred on health awareness.
«We aimed to engage with communities, share information and promote lifestyle changes to help reduce diabetes risk,» explained Prabir, a diabetologist.
Their journey ended sooner than planned after a landslide near Kodari on the Nepal-Tibet border blocked their route. Forced to leave Chetak behind, they continued on foot to Kathmandu before flying to Kolkata. Supported by Rotary Clubs in King’s Lynn, Calcutta Metro City and Rotary International, the couple now plan to retrieve their vehicle once the route reopens.
