SHILLONG, Oct 28 – Five German cyclists are on a two-month tour of the North East to create awareness in Germany and the rest of the world on the cultural heritage, natural beauty and tourism potential of the region.
The cyclists, called the ‘Karma Riders’, arrived here on Friday after starting off from Guwahati on October 20.
The Germans – Christian Dominik (33), Tobias Schueppen (30), Nils Petersen (28), Oliver Schrenk (26) and Karsten Meyer (24) will tour a number of prominent tourist spots of the State.
Describing the scenery of Shillong as ‘tremendous’, Nils Petersen said, “We knew that Shillong is known as the Scotland of the East and it is absolutely true. Its scenery is really tremendous and we are feeling positive.”
Petersen said, “The aim of touring the region is to explore the rich cultures and tourism potential of the North East. We will definitely create awareness about them in Germany and other parts of the world.”
The cycle tour, being organised by Don Bosco Society in collaboration with Child Aid Network, an international foundation for children, also seeks to support educational and other programmes for backward children of the Northeastern States through Don Bosco institutes.
The young cyclists also intend to popularise the region as a tourist destination by sending videos and pictures back home in Germany.
“The objective of this trip is to build bridges and remove the stereotype of the North East as a land of insurgency and conflict,” Tobias Schuppen, a Karma Rider, said.
“We are trying to nurture international understanding while helping different charitable foundations and we have received a warm welcome from the people of this region,” Schuppen said.
The Childaid Network, Germany, is joined by Snehalaya, a home for underprivileged children, to highlight the challenges faced by deprived children and mobilise resources for their education in the North East.
“At present our special focus is on street children projects in the Northeastern region of India. We will open three children homes across this region out of which one will be in Guwahati,” Dr Martin Kasper, Founder, Childaid Network, Germany, said.
The Meghalaya leg of the German cyclists’ journey will conclude on November 2.
They will be touring Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur till December 6.
The cyclists have covered 850 km so far and the total distance of the tour in the North East is 2,500 km which will conclude in Imphal on December 6. – PTI
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