''
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
TIONS. N. Y. 10017
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETAR Y-G ENERAL
CABINET DU SECRETAI RE G EN ERAL
REFERENCE: 14 July 1997 Dear Mr. Madraswala, It was a great pleasure to meet you last week during your visit to the United Nations. As I indicated to you then, the demands on the Secretary-General's time made it impossible for him to meet you, but I was honoured to receive you on his behalf. The task which you have undertaken on your sole initiative, to bring a message of peace and harmony to all nations of the world, is an admirable one, and entirely in consonance with the noble aspirations of the United Nations Charter. I should like to reiterate to you in this letter, therefore, our best wishes for a safe journey back home and for continued success in your mission. Only with the support of dedicated individuals like you can the United Nations 's work towards a peaceful and prosperous world bear fruits.
Yours sincerely,
Gillian Martin Sorensen Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations
Mr. Taher Madraswala C/0 Ms. Brynn Sandier Doris S. Michaels Literary Agency New York Brynn M. Sandier Literary Agent
Doris S. Michaels Literary Agency, Inc. One Lincoln Plaza, Suite 29R 20 West 64th St., New York, NY 10023 Tel: 212-769-2430/Fax: 212-873-0774 s
Taher Madraswala 288 Lexington Ave. #12H (212) 255-4274 New York, N.Y. 10016 [email protected]
June 10, 1997
The Honourable Kofi-Annan The Secretary General, United Nations First Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017
Your Excellency:
I, Taher Madraswala, am an Indian Citizen on a world goodwill mission to spread the word of International Brotherhood, Peace and Understanding through cycling around the world. I started this mission in India in October, 1981 that has taken me through Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and North America with an entry into the Guiness Book of World Records.
This message of Peace has eventually brought me to my last stage before I return to India. I feel it fitting that the last place I visit be the Headquarter of the United Nations; the organization whose Charter incorporates the solemn declaration that the peoples of the United Nations are determined to live together in peace and to unite their strength to maintain international peace and security. United Nations continues to provide the best hope to make our world a peaceful place to live in; to bring some semblance, justice, equality and respectability to our lives.
The UN, moreover, continues to command tremendous and excellent respect in this area through providing active and committed leadership. This shows an active concern to bring world peace; an ideal that I too cherish, and for which I have been away from my family and friends for so long.
I ask youjto^ consider my request for a ten minute appointment with you any time in June 1997 before I return back tormy^pme~iriTndia. I do understand that the demands of your office are very heavy on your time. But I am sure your Excellency, being a dedicated and foremost supporter of World Peace, will have a heart to meet for few minutes, a person who has dedicated hah0 of his youth years to spreading the same message across many countries.
I again look forward to hear favourably from you soon.
Yours Tr
Taher S. Madraswala Indian Cyclist Begins The Last Leg Of His 15 Year World Adventure BY R. PAUL Hindus and Mus- DHILLON lims. I was frus- He rides his bicy- trated because I cle down highways couldn't play with and byways, my friends. And desert roads and then at 15, I de- congested city cided to something streets with a no- for peace." ble mission of Madraswala set spreading peace in off across India a world that has with his Hindu been ravaged by friend and the two death and destruction from determined to deliberate human violence. spread the mes- Taher Madraswala, a 32 sage of peace using year old Dawoodi bicycles as their mode of Bohra Muslim from travel. Ahmedabad, India, After about five has been cycling years traveling in In- throughout the dia, they stopped world for nearly 15 briefly at home and years covering some then flew to Kenya 125,000 kilometers in 1987. The friend in 30 countries. cut his trip short in After making his 1992 because of fam- way through Africa, ily responsibilities Middle-East, Europe, but Madraswala con- Asia, Australia and tinued on to Aus- Pacific Islands, he fi- tralia, Japan, South- nally made his way to east Asia and, eventu- North America, arriving in ally North America. Canada in January 1995. Madraswala said he He cycled from Chicago to chose a bicycle for his Toronto in frigid weather, mission because its a enduring severe cold tem- very lightweight trans- peratures, he arrived in Ot- portation vehicle that tawa last May, where he was also the helps him cover large ^iven a warm welcome by birth place distances and best of all its Prime Minister Jean of the great very environmentally Chretien. He made his way Indian leader friendly. to Vancouver recently after and peace mar- cont'donpage 9 stops Thunder Bay, Winni- tyr - Mahatama Gandhi. peg, Calgary and Edmonton. "I witnessed a lot of suffer- Taker Madraswala and his During his brief visit to ing in my hometown when I THE LINK HOUSE, the soft was a young boy," said bicycle of peace against the ppken Madraswala said the Madraswala, who wears a scenic skyline of Vancouver in mission came out of his traditional beard and white the background. hildhood, when he wit- and gold hat as symbols of his nessed communal violence Muslim heritage, "I was up- PHOTOACHANDRA in his home town which is set at seeing fighting between BODALIA .786
World Citizen for Peace and Brotherhood
Citizen of India and a member of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community.
718 Jamalpur Voharwad, Ground Floor, Gaikwad's Haveli, AWdaW380001, Gujarat State, INDIA tel: 079-5320955
TKe steps represents our efforts for a "Peaceful World". With your determination we can achieve it.
I am Taher Madraswala. I have been cycling throughout the World for the past 15 years covering nearly 125,000 kilometres in 30 countries of Africa, Middle-East, Europe, Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands and North America. I have cycled through cold wintery winds and among the hot desert storms. I have crossed jungles and wildlife, mountains and valleys, villages and cities. I have met people of different races, colours, religions and languages; from the poorest to richest from the uneducated to educated, from the governed to the governors, from the most sick to the most healthy. I have been welcomed, applauded, appreciated and honoured on one hand and ridiculed, robbed,, and; scorned on the other hand. I have faced death and hunger, war and peace. It is
that I undertook this cycling expedition around the''World
Since very young, peace always seemed non-existent as we are bombarded through radio, TV, newspapers and magazines with the violence and bloodshed in different parts of the World as a result of cultural, economic, political, racial and religious differences; from politically motivated to personality influences.
BUT WHO SUFFERS THE MOST? You guessed right. The common innocent people,'who wishes to:live peaceful, healthy and,happy life irrespective of religion, race, colour or creed. . ' ' . ,
Whereas modern mankind prides on technological progress, PEACE still is a distant dream.
HOW^CAN YOU HELP!
1. Stay away from crime, drugs, discrimination/ hatred, terrorism, greed, and corruption. Cultivate a positive attitude. 2. Help those in need, replace hatred and greed with understanding, tolerance and charity. Refrain from passing judgement on others. Instead respect and love others irrespective of race, c'oiour, religion, culture and creed. 3. Discourage aggression, violence, war, and more important, development and sales of weapons. Brace disarmament Tell your governments to spend the money instead on better education, health services and alleviating poverty. 4. Encourage and support promotion and work for the WORLD PEACE and PROSPERITY. Support UN efforts. 5. Remember GOD. Fear him and you will not go wrong. You will develop spiritual, moral and ethical virtues. Pray for his divine intervention to save us from the enemies of Peace and Brotherhood.
- . MAT 600 BlEtt THE tttilTY WITH PEACE and BROTHERHOOD; AMEN
KENYA, TANZANIA, UGANDA, ETHIOPIA, YEMEN, IIA.E., IRAQ; KUWAIT, BAHRAIN, SAUDIA ARABIA, EGYPT, GREECE, ITALY, FRANCE, ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, ISRAEL, SRILANKA, SINGAPORE, HONGKONG, MALAYSIA, BRUNEI, THAILAND, CHINA, INDONESIA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, U.S.A., CANADA. iiblished AyeeJdyfBy; Perry ^ Cp. (ySA) Inc^244 IFif th Ay^riue; NeW Yorki NY 1OCO1; Second Class Postage Paid At NeW %r^ NYf
INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY NEWSP^ERS ^£.26 INO.25 ^ JU^
JUNE 21, 1996 NEWS INDIA-TIMES PAGE 41;( Madraswala Cycles Round The Globe For 15 Years By UPENDRA SAB AT his belongings for survival. in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Wearing a beard and the tradi- North Yemen, the United Arab NEW YORK: How would tional white and gold hat symbol- Emirates, England, France, Hong you react if a 17-year-old from izing Islamic faith which he be- Kong, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Aus- your family — be it a son, a longs to, and a colorful jacket, tralia and the list goes on. brother, a cousin, or even a dis- Madraswala said, "I learnt that Madraswala has addressed tant relative — tells you one fine there is nothing impossible in this meetings in schools and univer- morning that he wants to frot the world. Everything is possible if we sities, met with saudi arabian globe on a one-speed Atlas bike? try. Also, if you want to achieve princess, and has taken photo- Wouldn't you laugh at him, something, you have to be ready graphs with presidents and the scoff, fret, or ridicule? to sacrifice something." prime ministers of different This is exactly how family Why the cycle ride down the countries.In his latest 21-speed, members and friends reacted highways and byways, desert and an all-terrain mountain bike, whenTaher Madraswala, now 32, roads, and congested city streets? he carries an 82-kg load that in- proposed to journey the globe on Taher Madraswala with Prime Minister lean Chretien in Ottawa during his tour. Madraswala says he has a mis- cludes four phone book-sized a cycle 15 years ago, wheruhe was sion. It is to spread the universal binders containing press clip- have been supporting me all along only 17. During this period, he has brotherhood and the message of pings, photos, certificates from But nothing stopped him come face to face with a lion in — my own community, the Indian peace in a world ravaged by death dignitaries, and other parapher- Africa, jailed by a policeman in community, Christian communi- from his ambition despite the fact and destruction from deliberate nalia for his journey. Dubai, stood up by Iraqi leader ties, and Jewish community." that he even did not have suffi- human violence and spread He has been written in Ara- Saddam Hussein /hospitalized by cient fund for his project. He never asked money from through newspapers, TV and bic, Chinese, Japanese, Sinhalese, malaria, went without food for anybody but graciously accepted It has been long 15 years, and radio.He has in all total travelled Tamil, Swahili, and many other days, and was robbed in kenya. In donations from those who be- Madraswala grew from an ado- for 15 years through 31 countries, languages. lescent to a mature young man Ethiopia, members of a tribe held lieved in his journey. and 125,000 km. No doubt, amazed press and As a consequence, some days, now on his cycle only. This is per- him at knife point for a religious Not surprisingly, he has been people called him "Gandhi on sacrifice. By miracle, the leader of he ate well and perhaps helped haps a unique way to lead one's interviewed by over a 1,000 news- wheels" and "a world class citi- other travellers in need. But some- life but it has its own merits and the tribe set him free. papers and 100 television sittings zen for peace and brotherhood." demerits. Madraswala said, " People times also he has been forced to sell PRIME MINISTER- PREMIER MINISTRE
Ottawa, Ontario K1AOA2
June 15, 1995
Dear Mr. Madrasawala:
It is a pleasure to send you best wishes on your cycle around the world on a mission of peace.
Throughout your travels, I am certain you have seen many beautiful sites and have enjoyed numerous fascinating experiences. I hope you have enjoyed your stay in Ottawa and will have an opportunity to see other regions of this great country as you continue your mission of peace.
Good luck with the remainder of your travels and best wishes for a safe journey home.
••(.--• %.-.
Mr. Taher Madrasawala GOVERNMENT HOUSE 1401 ROCKLAND AVENUE VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA V8S 1V9
February 01, 1996
Personal Mr. Taker Madraswala c/o: Mr. ArifmA. Graham 2018 Meadow Place Victoria, British Columbia VSR 1R3
Dear Mr. Madraswala:
It was a great pleasure 1o have met you.
I repeat my commendation and congratulation to you for everything that you have done.
And I certainly did enjoy our discussion.
Every good wish to you and your bride-to-be, and also for your future health and happiness.
Cheers and all the best.
Garde B. Gardom, Q.C. Lieutenant-Governor Congress Wins 10 Byelections In Uttar Pradesh, Yadav Loses Out as Chief Minister [he bruised image of Prime Minister P.V. cated that the voters may not have completely lost faith Narasimha Rao's Congress Party seemed to in Rao's leadership despite the crisis in the party. The have recovered somewhat with the party's vic- two most impressive victories were those of Chief Min- tory in byelections in 10 of the 26 assembly con- ister J. B. Patnaik of Orissa and Chief Minister A. K. stituencies, Suman Guha Mozumder writes. The Antony of Kerala. byelections were held last month in 13 states. The Con- In another political development, contradictions of gress Party was the biggest winner, with the opposition an inherently fragile coalition brought down the 18- Bharatiya Janata Party able to win only three seats. month-old Samajwadi Party-led government of Chief The results came barely two weeks after the Con- Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in the state of Uttar gress Party split for the third time in 25 years, with two Pradesh. Yadav was toppled by Mayawati, the feisty 39- senior leaders and a group of dissidents forming what year-old leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party, who International Weekly • Second Class P.O. Entry • $135 + G.S.T. they called the "real" Congress Party. The results indi- replaced Yadav as chief minister. Page 13 Atlanta . Chicago . Dallas . London . Los Angeles . New York»Toronto. Vol. XI No. 36 Toronto Edition Friday, June 9, 1995 Cycling broadcast on television. "It's such an exciting game, it really sets the house on fire," said an enthusiast, Rajiv Kumar. "We used to get up at 4 in Cyclist Concludes 14-Year Peace Mission the morning and travel two hours to a town to ByAJITJAIN watch matches on holidays." TORONTO — Taher Madraswala, a native of The rules of kabaddi, which has been called Gujarat who has been going around the globe on Taher Madraswala, hututu, dododo, kapati and kabardi in different his bicycle for 14 years, met Prime Minister Jean left, a native of parts of Asia, were first framed in a western Indian Gujarat who has been sports club in 1923. The first All-India Champi- Chretien in Ottawa recently. going around the The meeting was arranged by Liberal MP Jim onship was held in 1946 in Vijayawada in the globe on his bicycle south, with only three teams participating. Karygiannis, who accompanied him to the Prime for 14 years, met Minister's office with T. Ashok, information secre- prime minister Jean It was introduced as a demonstration sport in tary in the Indian High Commission. Chretien, second from the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, and was com- Madraswala said the Prime Minister had asked right in Ottawa on petitively played in the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, May 15. The meeting where India won the gold medal. him why he was pedaling round the world was arranged by through countries he had previously visited and Pakistan won the gold in the Dhaka South Asian Liberal MP Jim Federation Games, but India recovered its his feelings about the Canadian people. He said he Karygiannis, second was on a mission for "universal peace and brother- from left At extreme supremacy in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. hood" and against communal violence. He told of right is T-Ashok, India also won an <•' ' v •'->'-women's tourna- conveying his message to the people and meeting Information Secretary ment in Calcutta earlier this nv>'.h. in which Pak- in the Indian High istan, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lan- political leaders and the media. Commission. Ontario Premier Bob Rae had this message for ka and Nepal participated. Madraswala: "I'm delighted to hear that you're "It epitomizes the Indian philosophy of simple cycling through our province, spreading your very ing, "His is an example worthy of emulation by According to Madraswala, the world "has seen living," said sportswriter Sandeep Nakai. "It needs important message about universal peace and youth the world over." Madraswala started from too much fighting because of religion; I don't no equipment, no net, no racket, no ball, not even brotherhood. I admire what you're doing. It Ahmedabad at age 18. He has covered 72,500 believe religion and skin color should keep people shoes." Popular legend has it that the game was requires intense physical stamina, strong convic- miles through 30 countries and now plans to apart." When he grew up in Ahmedabad, he played by army soldiers in medieval India to keep tion and an adventurous spirit. No doubt you pos- return to India. "When I started, they thought it recalled, "I was surrounded by fighting and killing fit between battles, he said. sess these qualities in ample quantities." would be six months, but I had a plan to travel for between Muslims and Hindus over religion and pol- Circle kabaddi, a variation of the game, is also Indian High Commissioner Prem Budhwar three years," he said. "It took longer because I itics, so I decided that when I grew up, I would try played in northern India and parts of Pakistan, invited Madraswala to a reception in Ottawa, say- needed to find sponsors to keep going." to do something about it and that's whv I'm here." where the court is round and made of harder earth. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR INDIA 10 SPRINGFIELD ROAD OTTAWA, CANADA KIM 1C9
May 18, 1995
To Whom It Mav Concern
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. M. Taher S. Madraswalla for the first time on May 12, 1995 in Ottawa. I was indeed looking forward to this meeting, having already heard about his spirit of enterprise and adventure and the almost missionary zeal with which he has been spreading the message of Universal Peace, Brotherhood, Unity and Friendship on his world cycle tour. I admire him for all this and I am happy to say that his mission has been widely acknowledged and recognised.
Mr. Taher Madraswalla entered Canada on January 23 as part of his World Cycle Tour and has by now covered most of the Province of Ontario, the largest province in Canada. His plan is now to proceed to Montreal and from there to Vancouver via Edmonton prior to starting his journey back to India via Washington and New York. Mr. Taher Madraswalla started on his current world cycle tour in February 1987 and, as I understand from him, has already covered most of Africa, the Gulf region, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Australia. In Canada besides attracting considerable media attention, he was also received by Prime Minister Jean Chretien on May 15, 1995.
An adventure of this nature demands not just physical strength and stamina but also dedication and commitment of a very high order to the cause of Universal Peace. His is an example worthy of emulation by youth the world over. Mr. Taher Madraswalla still has a long journey ahead before he returns to India, his homeland, where, I am sure, a warm and enthusiastic reception awaits him. He has my best wishes for a safe and a successful journey ahead.
(Prem K. Budhwar) High Commissioner of India iiu wii* OUUH political pressure on politi- cians to deal with Delhi's air pollution. By contrast, Chandigarh and Shimla boast fresh air Indian Cyclist Begins The Last Leg and are becoming increas- ingly attractive areas for re- tirement and holidays. Any- Of His 15 Year World Adventure one in the hospitality indus- BY PAUL Hindus and Mus- try stands to do well should DHILLON lims. I was frus- they invest in the Punjab and He rides his bicy- trated because I in Himachal Pradesh. The cle down highways couldn't play with and byways, my friends. And potential in the latter state is desert roads and then at 15, I de- so evident that on this trip I congested city cided to something believe that Premier streets with a no- for peace." Harcourt will sign a tourism ble mission of Madraswala set promotion and development spreading peace in off across India a world that has with his Hindu been ravaged by friend and the two death and destruction from determined to deliberate human violence. spread the mes- Taher Madraswala, a 32 sage of peace using year old Dawoodi bicycles as their mode of Bohra Muslim from travel. Ahmedabad, India, After about five has been cycling years traveling in In- throughout the dia, they stopped world for nearly 15 briefly at home and years covering some then flew to Kenya 125,000 kilometers in 1987. The friend in 30 countries. cut his trip short in After making his 1992 because of fam- way through Africa, ily responsibilities Middle-East, Europe, but Madraswala con- Mac Sihota Asia, Australia and tinued on to Aus- Pacific Islands, he fi- tralia, Japan, South- lally made his way to east Asia and, eventu- "Chandigarh and STorth America, arriving in ally North America. Canada in January 1995. Madraswala said he Shimla boast fresh He cycled from Chicago to chose a bicycle for his air and are becom- Toronto in frigid weather, mission because its a ing increasingly :nduring severe cold tem- very lightweight trans- jeratures, he arrived in Ot- I portatipn vehicle that attractive areas for ;awa last May, where he was also the helps him cover large retirement and jiven a warm welcome by birth place distances and best of all its "rime Minister Jean of the great very environmentally holidays." • Sihota Ihretien. He made his way Indian leader friendly. ;o Vancouver recently after and peace mar- cont'd on page 9 stops Thunder Bay, Winni- tyr - Mahatama Gandhi. pact with Himachal. Deg, Calgary and Edmonton. "I witnessed a lot of suffer- Taller Madraswala and his Over the next few weeks I During his brief visit to ing in my hometown when I will comment on some spe- THE LINK HOUSE, the soft was a young boy," said bicycle of peace against the cific business opportunities spoken Madraswala said the Madraswala, who wears a scenic skyline of Vancouver in and by so reportin link mission came out of his traditional beard and white the background. that you will soon e to childhood, when he wit- and gold hat as symbols of his realize that your Ir her- nessed communal violence Muslim heritage. "I was up- PHOTO/iCHANDRA itage is a strengtl h at .n his home town which is set at seeing fighting between BODALIA home and abroad. THE LINK Weekend Edition January 6, 1996 have seen." Madraswala has endured Indian Cyclist rain, sleet, snow and freezing cont'd from page 1 temperatures. And he's sur- Madraswala carries all his "I have cycled through cold, vived severe bouts with personal belonging on the bi- wintry winds and among the diarrhea, malaria and chol- cycle with a total weight of hot desert storms. I have era. But its his duty to make 180 Ibs. There are seven bags crossed jungles and wildlife, a difference in the world that tied to the front and back of mountains and valleys, vil- makes him continue on. the bike, containing clothes, lages and cities. I have met However, having returned shoes, documents, gifts and people of different races, col- home only once in the last 15 photos, which are momentoes ours, religions and lan- years, Madraswala now longs of his nearly 1000 newspaper guages. I have been wel- to see his family and friends. interviews and 100 TV and comed, applauded, appreci- He also got engaged before he radio appearances. And his ated and honored on one left in 1987 and is looking for- bicycle license plate reads: hand and ridiculed, robbed, ward to meeting his fiancee "World Tour On Bicycle For and scorned on the other and eventually settling down. Peace - Make Love Not War - hand. I have faced death and He plans to return home af- Trust In God - Don't Worry Be hunger and war and peace." ter meeting President Bill Happy - India." Madraswala was also happy Clinton in Washington and In a pamphlet, in which he to report that he had found a UN Chief Boutros Boutros urges the world humanity to true oasis here in Canada and Ghali in New York. end discrimination and ha- deemed it the most peaceful "I will return home ful- tred and encourage and sup- country in the world. "Since I filled," he said. "I accom- port the promotion of world have been in Canada, I have plished what I set out to do." peace, Madraswala briefly felt so much peace in my Madraswala has been keeping describes his "excellent world heart," he said. "Canada is a diary of his travels and hopes adventures." the most peaceful country I to publish a book some day. Vol. 87 No. 4 • Sunday, January 14,1996 • Established 1908
Inside Glen Clark launches virtual science centre- and leadership bid page 14
SUNDAY..JANUARY. 14., 1996,Tt|E ytffiapmfQ COURIER. people 14-year, 125,000-km odyssey inspired by Gandhi
says, probably thinking of his fiancee, pa- By Srianthi Perera . tiently awaiting his return. '•?' •;'. "I learnt that Contributing Writer Like a veritable pied piper, Madraswala's tune ofharmony has been heard far and there's nothing I'IIINF.AS FOGG TRAVELLED around the wide. However, unlike the fabled charac- world in 80 days and enchanted those who ter, Madfaswala attracts national leaders impossible encountered his wanderings in the pages of and other politicians, youth and the me- a book. But unlike the character in Jules dia—lots of them. in this world. Verne's famous story, Taher Madraswala is After more than 1,000 press interviews real. He has pedalled his bicycle around die and 100 television sittings, the traveller has Everything is world for 15 years, seen 31 countries and assumed the confidence and manner of a clocked 125,000 km—all for the sake of congressman running for the Oval Office possible if we try. world peace. He glibly rattles off a list of countries he's The globe-trotter and his message for visited: Kenya, Ethiopia, North Yemen, the Also, if yon universal peace and brotherhood arrived in United Arab Emirates, England, France, Vancouver this month, after a journey Hong Kong, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, want to achieve across Canada that started in the east. Australia—a seemingly endless list "As a child I suffered a lot because of eth- Madraswala arrived in Canada, the 31st something, you nic tensions," says the soft-spoken country On his itinerary, in January last Madraswala, a native of Ahmedabad, India, year and hasn't hesitated to travel the have to sacrifice and a member of the Dawoodi Bohra Mus- breadth of the country in freezing weather. lim community. "I was confused when my He pedalled to Ottawa last May for an au- something." Hindu friends couldn't come out to play. At dience with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, that time I decided to do something for ,, who pinned a pin of the Canadian flag on —Taher peace, but nobody believed. his lapel, gave him words of . Madraswala "I was inspired byMahatma Gandhi, who encouragement and posed for pictures. is from my home city, Ahmedabad, and I Madraswala has been to Montreal, Nia- first undertook a two-year-long journey gara Falls, Thunder Bay Winnipeg, Regi- throughout India encouraging peace." na, Calgary, Edmonton and cycled to Van- hopes to continue his mission. think positively. I see no negative aspect Not content with that, however, couver via Banff, braving -30 degree C He believes that it's time the First World and I recommend others to think positive Madraswala began the global tour with a temperatures. " gave developing countries technological too. We must put our feet in other people's Hindu friend who dropped out a few years What are his impressions of Vancouver? expertise and education, not merely food shoes and realize," he says. later. When the 17-year-old set off on an "I think it's very safe for a person to be aid. "We need technological help to stand In this day and age, why did he choose Indian one-speed Atlas bike in 1981, he had travelling here, and the people are very on our own two feet, not food and material this mode of transport? "It's easy to attract nary a penny in his pocket, but he had plen- nice, kind, helpful and always smiling. I goods." attention and get support from people. It's ty of determination. Friends scoffed, family think Canada is the world's most peaceful As far as help for his heroic deed is con- also environment-friendly and helps keep fretted and many scorned his extraordinary land," he smiles. cerned, assistance from well-wishers and me fit" ambition, but Madraswala persisted. He finds North American leaders very governments around the world have On his 21-speed, all-terrain mountain Many strange encounters and three bicy- accessible. "I'm not a politician or a reli- sustained him. The Hostelling International bike, a donation from a British Muslim, cles later, he says.it has not been a smooth gious leader, but when I want to meet Association of Canada sponsored his stay in Madraswala carries an 82-kg load that in- ride. He~came face to face with a lion in politicians, they always give me a chance to Canada by providing free accommodation in cludes items necessary for personal groom- Africa, was nearly beheaded by Ethiopian talk." ( each city and arranging media interviews ing, including an iron. tribesman on the verge of making him a reli- From Vancouver, Madraswala went to and meetings with officials. The group even In his baggage are four phone book-sized gious sacrifice, jailed by a policeman in Seattle to extend his Canadian visa, before gave him him colourful jacket Muslims, binders containing press clippings, photos, Dubai, stood up by Iraqi leader Saddam going to Victoria to meet with B.C. govern- Hindus, Gujaratis and Indians from many certificates from dignitaries and other Hussein, hospitalized with malaria, went ment representatives. He has a Jan. IS ap- other communities have helped with cash printed paraphernalia from his safari. He without food for days, was robbed in Kenya, pointment with United Nations Secretary- and kind. has been written about in Arabic, Chinese, and even stripped of his bicycle in England. General Boutros Bbutros-Gahli in New When he set off he didn't speak a word of Japanese, Sinhalese, Tamil, Swahili and Madraswala wears a beard, the traditional York, then he flies to Washington to meet English. Today, Madraswala can speak, read other languages. He has been variously de- white and gold hat of his community and a President Bill Clinton. A New York writer and write English and has also mastered scribed as "a champion among bicycle colourful jacket featuring a map of the is to write a book based upon him. Soon, he Arabic and Swahili. couriers," "Gandhi on wheels," "a self-con- world. "I learnt that there's nothing impos- might appear on the late night show with For a man who's bicycled around the fessed cycle-path" and more. But to him- sible in this world. Everything is possible if David Letterman. world, Madraswala doesn't seem tired , but self, he is "a world-class citizen for peace we try. Also, if you want to achieve some- After his North American sojourn, are there any negative aspects to his jour- and brotherhood"—a tag he refuses to shed tiling, you have to sacrifice something," he Madraswala is to return to India where he ney? "With my nature, I always choose to until he ha» done his work. Ontario
The Premier Le Premier ministre Legislative Building Hotel du gouvernemen Queen's Park Queen's Park of Ontario de I'Ontario Toronto, Ontario Toronto (Ontario) M7A1A1 M7A1A1
March 29, 1995
Mr. Taher Madraswalla 50 Silver Linden Drive Unit 66 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3S7
Dear Mr. Madraswala:
Welcome to Toronto! I'm delighted to hear that you're cycling through our province, spreading your very important message about universal peace and brotherhood.
I admire what you're doing. It requires intense physical stamina, strong convictions and an adventurous spirit. No doubt, you possess these qualities in ample quantities.
Please accept my best wishes. I extend to you the goodwill of the people of Ontario and wish you safe cycling and warm receptions, wherever your journey takes you.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Rae S'-?U;Q3r-*^-\
HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES CANADA
^b MQv. JWw
^i was nog pleasure to meet with you on
^/t is my sincere Hope tlinr your mission is successful one. ^here is truly no greater cause than that of peace and brotherhood.
st of t/Juck for the journey ahead* ^ 4 NEWS The Edmonton Sunday Sun, December 3.1995 By JERRY WARD Lac La Biche, 225 km northeast of Edmonton, Staff Writer about 2 a.m. yesterday. Gambling and alcohol may have been a "They said they were arguing a bit, but deadly mix for two northern Albertans who they didn't think it was serious," Pruden were found dead in their home yesterday said last night from his home at the settle- after what police believe was a murder-sui- ment, 40 km south of Lac La Biche. cide. Cops were baffled as to who pulled the Lonnie Lee Pruden and Gail Sherry trigger. McLean of the Kikino Metis Settlement both "The weapon was found between them. died from single gunshot wounds from a .30- We're still making some inquiries into that," 30 rifle, said Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Ste- Smith said. ven Smith. Police haven't ruled out the possibility There were no witnesses, Smith said. that a third person may be involved, Smith Pruden, 34, worked as a truck driver, while said. McLean. 41, was a nurse in Lac La Biche, said Pruden's unidentified brother, who also Lonnie's father Rueben Pruden. lives in the house, found the pair lying on the Rueben said McLean told him only last floor of their bedroom after he returned week that the couple "just can't drink to- home about 5 a.m. yesterday, said RCMP. gether, we fight too much. Their bodies have been sent to Edmonton "But we didn't it take too seriously," said for toxicology tests, said police. Funeral ar- Rueben. rangements weren't confirmed last night. He said last night that the couple often This is the second murder-suicide trag- argued about playing VLTs. edy to hit the settlement in three years. "She didn't like that very much," said Pru- In November 1992, police said Ehvin den. Thompson died of smoke inhalation after Rueben, 63. said two of his other sons last shooting his estranged wife Nancy Thomp- saw the now-deceased pair leaving a bar in son. By PHILIP LEE-SHANOK .. • Madraswala has forsaken a lot for. his- StaffWriter :: ' ••, quest. His fiancee has waited fpr.him to re?, Taher Madraswala's quest for peace has turn for good since they were betrothedJ.J••!] taken him around the world and away from yearsago. • "•:•>;«:<,;»; '.%*,: his fiancee for more than a decade. ; ;;,?;..,. ••, "I keep promising 1 will be bacE in'six The 32-year-old from Ahmedabad in west- months," said Madraswala. "She'll be happy ;• ern India has been on a 14-year odyssey when I finally finish my trip.". • •'.:;••; •.•••i that's taken him to 31 countries on five con--' He expects to wrap up his journey in,' tinents. -•' ' • . March. He hopes to start towards the moun-' He's got five passports thick with immi- tains and Vancouver on Wednesday! ..-;. gration stamps to prove it. - . Madraswala's tour began in 1981 when he "I've sacrificed almost half my life for was 17 years old. Since then, he's pedalled peace," he said yesterday at the Interna- over 127,000 km from Kenya to.Canada tional Youth Hostel in downtown Edmon- spreading a message of love. . • '"-;' ton. He reckons he has met more than a mil- He rolled into the city on his British- lion people on his journey, including Prime built Claud Butler bike packed with 80 kg of Minister Jean Chretien when he stopped in gear Thursday. Ottawa in May. •..;'•.; • "When I was a child I saw Hindus and . "I have learned that there is nothing im- Muslims fighting, I saw people on TV fight- possible in this world," Madraswala said. "I ing. I was upset and confused," said Ma- tell everyone this, especially the young." draswala. "It was my childhood dream to He plans to start writing a book on his trav-' travel the world for peace." ',-. "•'>.' • -.• els called Peace On Wheels.-. • • .':•,. •• ' ^ .Around-the-world peace cyclist Taher Madraswala sits astride his trusty steed. By STEVE TILLEY Lester Nepoose, brother of Ivor and Wilson, is canted her testimony. StaffWriter haying a tough time dealing with this tragic new An RCMP sergeant was later convicted of perjury Tragedy has again rocked the family of Wilson Ne- twist in the slaying, said his wife Debbie Nepoose in connection with testimony he gave at the in- poose - the Alberta man who spent five years in jail from their home in Hobbema. quiry. for a murder he didn't commit - with the arrest of Ne- "He lost his brother, which really hurt him. Then This year, the family has faced the slaying oflvor poosc's niece in the stabbing death ofhis brother. it's his niece that is charged. I guess the family is kind the death of Lester's nephew in a traffic accident Janice Nepoose, 27. is charged with second-degree of in shock," Debbie said. about a week ago, and now the murder charge laid :n urder in the May 6 slaying of Ivor Nepoose, 48, who The Nepoose family has faced a series of heart- against Janice. was found stabbed to death at a home on the Samson breaks, beginning when Wilson was charged with sec- "I think the family is not going to decide her guilt reserve near Hobbema, 90 km south of Edmonton. ond-degree murder in the 1987 slaying of Marie Rose or innocence. I think they're going to have to see in Janice, pregnant with her fifth child, is to remain .Desjarlais. court," Debbie said. Wilson in police custody unti' lier first appearance in'Red He spent five years in jail until a federal hearing "With what we went through with Wilson, we don't Deer provincial court tomorrow. cleared him of wrongdoing after a key witness re- believe in the RCMP, what they say." Nepoose HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES CANADA Taher S. Madraswalla This certificate is to show appreciation for your contribution to the promotion of global peace and harmony. Please accept my Thanks and Best Wishes to you as you continue your mission around the world. ohn Solomon M.P Regina-Lumsden THE OTTAWA CELEBRATING 150 YEARS MONDAY, MAY 8, 1995 Cyclist tours world to spread of peace After remarkable journey Apart from $10,000 from Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Madraswala's journey has spanning 14 years, been financed largely by donations from people he has met. man considers Many new acquaintances, especially Muslims and people from India, have heading home to India helped him with lodging and expenses. At one point, though, Madraswala says he By Pat Bell had to sell some accessories off his new Citizen staff writer bike to keep rolling financially. At 18. Taher Madraswala got his par- The bike was a gift from the Muslim ents' permission to go on a six-month MAKE LOVE: Madraswala's community in London after his well-worn bike trip. licence plate has been seen by bike was stolen there. He's also faced ill- Fourteen years. 116,000 kilometres and people in 30 countries ness, accidents and an angry tribe in 30 countries later, he's beginning to think Ethiopia "with very long knives" who about going home to India. came up behind him while he was drink- "They thought it would be six months, dropping to -30 or rising to 50 degrees, but ing from a mountain stream. but I had a plan-to travel for three years," rain will often stop him for days. He still doesn't know why they didn't Madraswala said Sunday at the Ottawa A soft-spoken man, Madraswala wears behead him, but when they reported International Hostel on Nicholas Street. the traditional beard and white and gold their terror at the next village, they were "It took longer because I needed to find hat of a Dawoodi Bohra Muslim. In Toron- given a three-man military escort for a sponsors to keep going." • . to last month, he felt cold, suspicious month. School children turned out in Madraswala, a Muslim, left his home stares after the bombing of a federal gov- every village and government authorities city of Ahmedabad with a Hindu friend, ernment building in Oklahoma City. treated them like celebrities. determined to spread a message of "Nobody said anything, but I had this He was in hospital in Tanzania with peace. "We had seen too much fighting feeling. I was very relieved to learn that it malaria and cholera and lost his voice in because of religion and we didn't believe wasn't terrorists from the Middle East Texas for four months last year. religion and skin color should keep peo- who had done that bombing," But he has continued, fortified by reli- ple apart," he said. Madraswala said. "It is not right to judge gious faith and financial support along After about five years travelling in a whole community by a few people." the way. India, they stopped briefly at home and He said he grew up witnessing commu- He hopes to meet Prime Minister Jean then flew to Kenya in 1987 and travelled nal violence in his home city, the birth- Chretien, then travel to Washington to through several African countries, the place of pacifist Mahatma Gandhi, and he meet President Bill Clinton. After cycling Middle East, and Europe. wanted to spread a message that fighting to Vancouver, Madraswala is going home The friend cut his trip short in 1992 doesn't solve anything. to marry. because of family responsibilites but With scrapbooks. photo albums and He was engaged to a childhood friend Madraswala continued on to Australia. videotapes recording his meetings with just before he left for Kenya. Nisreen, 27, Japan. Southeast Asia and. eventually, dignitaries around the world. has been waiting for him for eight years. North America. Madraswala's load has grown to more "We've kept in touch and she knew I — Pat McGrath. Citizen He arrived in Canada in January, then 150 kilograms. But his $3.500 Cloud was coming back. In my country when you cycling from Chicago to Toronto in frigid Butler mountain bike still carries him make a promise to many, you keep that IN OTTAWA: Madraswala is riding west weather. He's not fazed by temperatures about 100 kilometres a day. promise." BULL'S EYE: new contest starts today A19 Outside mc'ro area S1J5 s p o'RT"S""F'TN"A L CyeStst wheels in after 14 years of HELEN WONG THE GAZETTE Taher Madraswala's began a six-month cy- cling tour in 1981 to spread a message of univer- sal peace. That trip has turned into a 14-year odyssey covering 30 countries and more than 120.000 kilometres. "I would like people to stop fighting. There is too much going on in the world," he said yester- day from the International Youth Hostel on Mackay St. downtown. "People should live in peace and not fight in the name of religion, race or color." Madraswala. a Muslim, is from Ahmedabad, the birthplace of Mohandas Ghandi. He arrived in Montreal on Thursday on the last leg of his round-the-world tour. He plans to spend about 10 days here meeting with people and talking about the importance of peace. At age 18, be undertook a bike tour of India. After cycling for six years in his native land, Madraswala decided to expand his efforts. Since then he lias travelled to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Europe and Japan. Last year, he journeyed across the U.S. In January, he arrived in Canada. From Montreal, he will travel to Quebec City, Ottawa. Vancouver, Washington, D.C. - where he is scheduled to meet President Bill Clinton - and New York. Madraswala started with $500 U.S. But dona- tions along the way have financed his trip, which lias cost more than $100,000. He has had to sell ALLEN MclNNIS, GAZETTE personal belongings to continue his journey. "Canada is the most peaceful country I have seen," round-the-world cyclist Taher Madraswala says. Madraswala said witnessing religious and eth- nic fighting in his home town encouraged his Minister Jean Chretien. refused," he said. mission for peace. "There has been fighting be- "Since I have been in Canada, I have felt so Madraswala has returned to India once in the Iwecn Hindus and Muslims for many years," he much peace in my heart," Madraswala said. last 14 years and is eager to return home. He has said. "The fighting has to stop somewhere." "Canada is the most peaceful country that I missed the marriages of his siblings, the births of For the first three years of his international have seen." his nieces and nephews, but the trip was worth journey, Madraswala travelled with a Hindu Madraswala has endured rain, sleet, snow and the hardship, he said. friend. Family obligations caused his compan- freezing temperatures. And he's survived severe "I will return home fulfilled," he said. "1 have ion to abandon the trip. bouts with diarrhea, malaria and cholera. accomplished what I set out to do." On his own, with his belongings strapped to a But while in Montreal, he was refused a drink By October, he plans to return to India to mar- mountain bike, Madrasw'ala has travelled from of water in a restaurant - the first time that's ry his fiancee, who has been waiting for him for city to city meeting dignitaries and expressing happened during his trip. at least eight years. He also hopes to continue his plea for world peace. In May, he met Prime "I was so thirsty and I was surprised that they his mission of peace in India. CITY OF TORONTO Coton of Ulictjirumtr Citation Taker S. Madraswala to * It is a pleasure to welcome you to Toronto, and to commend you on your TAHER S. HADRASWALLA mission of world peace. Your dedication to fostering universal peace and goodwill has taken you IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR WORLD CYCLE TOUR through 27 countries. Toronto's ethnic communities represent many of the DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE OF UNIVERSAL PEACE AND countries through which you have travelled. Although Torontonians live in BROTHERHOOD. WE ARE PROUD THAT YOU CAME TO relative harmony, we are not without discord. Each of us can learn from your commitment to the cause of this eight year world cycling tour. RICHMOND HILL. On behalf of City Council and the people of Toronto, I wish you continued success for the remainder of your journey. DATED: MARCH 16, 1995 Mayor LrOung stops in Banff MOUNT •'. V':pXynn.Martei;-^^vv The ] he week before Christmas, ihe Banff Kara Hostel was proud to host a very special visitor. His PC mountain bike was equipped with side mirrors, Indian, Canadian, and Hostelling International flags, and laden with 180 pounds of clothing, scrapbooks of newspa- per clippings and other memen- tos. Taher Madraswala arrived in By PETER SMITH Although police I were given a false Banff near the end of a cycling Calgary Sun tour which has taken him to over one of the first of RAG Next time Calgary police need scene — was sun thirty countries on five continents the force's best tracker dog, hadn't escaped. over the course of fourteen years. they'll probably call for Const. "Single-handed, h' When he left home in western Steve Dueck. into the home, and s India at seventeen, Taher spoke no Yesterday lie single-handedly space in the floor jo> English and had no knowledge of sniffed out a fugitive, launclr the world. His family and friends Great who'd hidden in a thought his plan was a ridiculous house for five hours waste of lime. Undeterred, he where police dogs Taher made some good friends while he was staying at Banff International couldn't find him. travelled the world to spread his Hostel on his way across Canada Photo: Lynn Martel The suspect — message of peace and universal kilometers on three different bicy- including Jean Chretien last May. wanted on Canada- brotherhood. clcs. During the Gulf War, he wide warrants — had "Nothing is impossible, On December 19 Taher rode also eluded a pepper- traveled through Iran and Iraq to Lake Louise, enroute to insisted Taher, "I am just an ordi- with special permission from the sprny attack by the nary man. My feeling, if you want Vancouver. From there he will Tac team. office of Sadaam Hussein. "But is travel by bus or plane to Seattle City police received n tip a suspect who'd A. BUY A L broken parole and B. WA was unlawfully at large was holed ing over his licnd. my things." some dead bodies." up in a house at 2822 15 Ave. S.E. Even after hein January 15 before returning to C. PICK Ul WIDE LOAD . . . Police units raced to the street and put in one polk Over these fourteen years Throughout his journey, Taher Madraswala, who's Taher has not worked at anything Taher has maintained a positive the home, family and fiancee he at 10:30 a.m and sealed it off. suspect made nnoi other ihan his journey which has has not seen in more than a been riding around the world Heavily armed Tac team offi- freedom .is ho \va- "'' ' ' " ' attitude. "You know in the day- decade. IF YOU urging brotherhood for 14 cers then surrounded the house; fcrrod to a second been an all-consuming occupa- time the sun comes up, and at years, gives the peace sign Bui this time, p> tion. "The people, they are sup- after they hit it with pepper- night it is dark._This is our life." while cycling downtown on spray, they sent the tracker dog fully secured him. the last leg of his travels. Chad Verge. 23. When the dog found no one in tody on warrants 79th Annual Ba the home, the operation was parole and being — STUART DRYOEN. Calgary Sun ; large. o- — called off. ciously accepted donations from respectful of his physical and those who believe in his journey, social surroundings. This young but never asked for money or sup- man is reminiscent of wandering port. Some days thai meant eating sages and story-tellers from his- wcll, and perhaps helping out lorical times, Talier Madraswala's a self-con- He says it's time to go home. other travellers in need. At other fessed cyclepalh. A fiancee he hasn't seen since Taher is enormously graieful His past 14 years peddling a mes- 1991 "is crying for me." times Taher was forced to sell his to Canada for being a generous Nine years ago, he says. Ethiopi- belongings. sage of peace have seen Ihe 33- host. His accommodations here year-old Indian national face guns, an tribesmen were on the verge of For two years. Taher, a have been provided free hy visit war fronts and jailed twice. making him a religious sacrifice: Muslim, traveled with a Hindu Hostelling International, which he "I don't think I have brought "God helped me to get out of that." friend along the eastern coast of likes to call "United Nations Join us for Ten D. peace, but it's my childhood dream Madraswala met Prime Minis- Africa. "We start together because to do this," said Madraswala, in ter Jean Chretien in May and gave House" because people from all in Banff and pamphlets to Iraqi troops during we want to show ihe real example, religions, nationalities and races Calgary preparing to end his Here's a great chance to win 123,000-km journey in Vancouver. that country's war with Iran. we want to show the whole world arc welcome under one roof. He January 26 - F« Stamps tickets! See P. 71 of Sports for deta lhai we are living together, Hindu has found Canada the most peace- and Muslim, we are sleeping in ful and least racially-prejudiced THE ICE CASTLE & C one bed, we are eating in one country in all his travels. Friday, Jan WEATHER Sm&AG'rWiME § 1 place, we are telling each other "He's made a differenc..~e~ her..~.e^ Join up for the Opening- Cer«-monie-s lurid i . 3670 TlkCsBp^ our ideas." The pair also nearly at the hostel," observed a pleased cut out of Laktr Minnowjnka and the hi.ig'c Bend .3517 PROVIDING TIME I_Y INFORMATION .3555 PARTNERS an Icf Cj»tl Taker S. Madraswalla has persevered in his quest for Peace, Relentless in his efforts to communicate the beauty of Brotherhood, and; \ViierettS his 8 year travel has inspired the people he touched with the words, Love Thy Neighbor. Touching the hearts and soules of us all. and; Taher S. MadraswalWs travel has brought him, after 8 years of world Cycling, to us. We the Citizens of San Francisco Hail him in his efforts to unite people everywhere through the common fiber of Love, and; Therefore Be It Resolved that i Frank M. Jordan Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, do hereby Welcome you to our City and bid you Good Fortune with Success in your endevors. Go Forward in Good Health, Clarity of Mind and inspiration. We wish you much success from all the Citizens of San Francisco. WE THANK YOU IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City and County of San Francisco to be affixed. Frank M. Jordan Mayor C.D. Payne's newest Nick Twisp Of FREMONT NEWARK and UN Pedaling a message of peace • Muslim bicycles his parents he wanted to bicycle equipped with three tiny flagpoles across India with a Hindu boy- — one for India's flag, one for his through 27 countries hood friend. Shreyanskumar C. liost country's, and one flying a promoting his mission Jain. Together, they wanted to white flag of peace — Madras- of brotherhood spread a message of interfaith walla says lie dreamed up the understanding. Idea during religious wars in his That was eight years ago. home town of Ahnicdabad. in the By Lisa Stone-Norman state of Gujarat. India. STAFF WRFTER Since then, Madraswalla has "My home town was always bicycled through more than 27 the religious wildlands," said Ma- 1J FREMONT —' Taher S. Ma- countries, sometimes staying draswalla's dream of peace has draswalla Monday, tie sat In the with families, other times going living room of his hosts, the brought him face to face with So- for days without eating — all "for mali headhunters, Arabian roy- Mogrl family, wearing the tradi- universal peace and brother- tional beard and wlitte auri gold alty, English lorries, Japanese hood." He is supported by dona- hotel prices and now, for the first hatofa Dawoodi Gohra Muslim. . - LAURAA.ODA—Slaff tions, many from members of his He remembers Muslim-Hindu Taher S. Madraswalla jias bicycled through more than 27 countries time, Americans — all on a bi- Muslim sect, who number 1.5 cycle. strife — which he firmly believes he i in the past eight years, spreading a message of "universal peace million worldwide. Sixty such was perpetuated by political Mr i and brotherhood." His journey, the first round-the-world cycle for •;'• \'- i At the age of 23, Madraswalla, families live in Fremont. peace, will be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. '•'.'.'. la Dawoodi Bohra MusUm^.toid. The driver of a mountain bike Please see Mission, page A- 7 Message: Long journey for a cause Continued from page A-1 thought it was the end of our his family in India. In his 1988 He will tour the United States lives. So instead, we looked at the visit to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq for a month, cycling from Fre- leaders — as so bad that "no- sky and prayed to God." war, Saddam Hussein was unable mont back to Los Angeles, then body knew when somebody to make an appointment with Ma- on to Houston. Dallas, Chicago, Then one tribesman made a would kill (someone else). In that draswalla and sent his oldest son up to Canada and down to different motion, telling them to tune, In my home town there was instead. Later, Israeli officials Boston. run. Fearing this was part of a no life. So I knew If I died (bicy- granted the cyclist a special visa Then. In July or August, he game, the cyclists ran anyway. cling) I would be happy." to avoid stamping his permanent will return to his home state of The tribe let them go without a He very nearly did. passport — a record of his visit Gujarat — birthplace of one of scrape. After a two-year trip through that would bar him from re- Ms heroes, Mahatma Gandhi — India, Madraswalla and Jam flew When they told their story in turning to many Arab countries. reacquaint himself with his par- to Nairobi, Kenya and began a the next town, Ethiopian officials So far, Madraswalla says the ents and marry the woman who journey through Africa. Seven assigned three military police as United States has been 'Very has waited for him eight long days into Ethiopia, on an isolated cycling guldes-cum-bodyguards. supportive." Two weeks ago, he years. stretch of road, they were set Now 31, Madraswalla says the in- arrived in the Los Angeles airport Thus settled, Madraswalla upon by a Slfta tribe seeking a cident captures the worst and the with $10 — the-only money he plans to open a small business human sacrifice. best treatment he has received in had left after he pawned most of and continue broadcasting Ills "When we stopped ;to" drink, a foreign country. his belongings to pay for Tokyo message of peace. "I will plan to they crept up from behind us. Madraswalla has a full reper- lodging. start a smaU Hindu and Muslim D. ROSS CAMERON — Slolf They had very long knives. They toire of such stories, with happy But he left the airport with organization for small children," sing Star Hosai Omarkhil, 16. went like this," he said, drawing endings that fortify his faith. $160, a donation from customs he said, before posing for a photo a finger across his neck! "After When his bicycle was stolen in officials who came across Ills with the British bicycle he will that, we cried very loud. We London, another Dawoodi Bohra photographs of world leaders and take back with him. It sports a begged for our lives and kissed Muslim replaced it. Madraswalla a scrapbook of articles written on bumper sticker with a Western- everybody's leg. But when we did was able to continue even though him in every language from Ar- ized version of his message: that they kicked us away. We Ws cycling partner returned to abic to Japanese. "Make love, not war." November 26,1994 India Tribune - Chicago. Edition Page 25 Fired by peace mission, braving hazards Cyclist continues odyssey of world tour after eight years by J.V. Lakslimana Rao gan lo cry aloud, and offered papers from Ihc immigration of- ful. lo return lo India via South Africa. Chicago: Taher S. Madraswala is prayers looking towards sky. The fice. On his return trip by bus from In Chicago, he says, he found a Taller says he tried his best In a mcssiah of peace, love and com- Iribal leader, after sometime, sig- Los Angeles lo Houston, someone good number of Hindu and Mus- go lo Pakistan, but could not do so munal harmony from India. nalled Taller and his friend to flee. had stolen his baggage containing lim communily members, who because of non-availability of visa. He look (o the road on a bicycle to Without looking back the two valuable collection of world cur- evinced considerable interest in He says Israel had issued him a spread the values he strongly be- young men fetched their bicycles rencies, acameraand photographs. his mission. special travel document lo visit (Ire lieves in, nearly eight years ago. and started pedaling with all Ihcir In Houslon, it businessman bad Regarding the cost of his lour, country. Moved hy frcqucnlcommunal dis- he says bchassofarspcnlS 110,000 After reluming 10 India. Tahcr turbances in Ahmcdabad, he and which works out lo one dollar a wants to marry the girl wlui has his childhood Hindu Friend, kilometer. His average expcndi- been patiently waiting for ilu- past Shriyrms Kumar left Ahmcdubad lureadayis$50. He has received cighl years for his return, lie was on thai wintry day of February 8, 12 gold medals so far and sold engaged to her before he led on 1<)87. He reached Chicago last mem all lo mccl his expenses. He his world [rip. week. is scheduled lo figure in 1995 edi- Taller wants lo form a Innini ol As all good tilings have a hard tion of Guinness Book of World alhrligions in Ahinedabad inpto- beginning, Tahcr's peace mission Records as a man who has covered nuuc communal hnrmoiu Mr loo began will) years of prepara- the longest journey on a bicycle. also wants lo write a bonk on Ins tion at considerable expenditure. He travels 12 hours a day. travel experience. As a young man of inexperience, From Chicago, he will go lo In Chicago. T:ihcr may he he sought Uic help of a political Dclroil, Toronlo and come back lo coniactcd at (312) 741 6 I'd or worker in getting passports, visas the USA. He will wind up his (312)873-8320. and other travel documcnls. The world tour in New York. He plans political worker volunteered lo as- sume leadership and lead the Punjabi artifacts on display three-man world peace expedition. With a lot of fanfare, Ihe three Chicago: The Punjabi Cultural on Saturday from 9.(K)n.m to 5.1X1 Society of Chicago has organized men were given a warm send-off p.m. and on Sunday from I.IK] a display of Punjabi folk and cul- by a select gathering in p.m. to 5.00 p.m. tural artifacts ai Palatine Library Ahmcdabad. But il jusl took two The cxlnbilion will continue till located at 700 N. North Court in November 30 before moving in hours for ilic leader lo dcscrlTahcr strength. made use of Tahcr for publicity by Palatine, Illinois, Phone (708)358- other libraries and schools in Chi- and his friend, and disappear with On hearing their experience, Ihe announcing Uirough a radio pro- 6881. cago area. the passports, visas, iravcl docu- Ethiopian government gave them gram thai he would sponsor his Over 50 iicms on display. The For more information, call Th.iknr ment and cash. Taller and Kumar a royal irealmcni and provided trip in UieUS A. However, thcbusi- exhibition hours arc fMon-Thnl Sinoli Barati flt (TORI MO I V,T V.OL foiiMa!, yv.i liuuiiuiiiu lo uVhi willi ilic best ptoUxiiuii I'm lieSMlltUldiu llolCYCU Cine ioltlCCi from 9.00 a.m. lo 9.00 p.m.; on continue their journey. After IhcylcfI the country. Tahcr, lei alone giving him finan- Friday from9.00 a.m. lo 6.00p.m.; rcching Bombay, from where Taller says dial throughout his cial aid. Except for this uuplcas- Tiihcr coniactcd his parents, who journey both Muslims and Hindus antexpcricnce, Taher says that the managed lo rctricvclhc travel docu- helped him. The Gujarati commu- people of Houston were very help- Subscribe to India Tribune ments for a price from the "leader." nily in East Africa was particu- The documents were (lien sent to larly hospitable to him. Talicr's Bombay address from In London, when he was robbed where die two cyclists continued of his Indian- made bicycle, a SERVING YOU IS OUR TRADITION dicir journey. Dawoodi Bohra Muslim commu- AND . After covering 1 lO.OOOtilome- nity leader presented him with a tcrs on a bicycle and slaying away specially designed bicycle to con- QUALITY IS THE TRUST from home comforts, Talter is still tinue his mission. He was once full of enthusiasm. For this 31- robbed of his belongings on a year-oldailventurcr,lhceightycars highway in Kenya. of world tour lias been a mixed During Ihc haq-Itan war, he was experience of pain and pleasure. travelling across the Gulf coun- HchadlheJioiior of being received tries. Though he had an appoint- 2617 West Devon Ave. hy high dignilarics as well as be- ment to meet Saddain Hussein, he ing put behind bars twice for some could not do so because Saddam Chicago, IL 60659 silly omissions. He was robbed of had some oilier pressing engage- his belongings (Juice and he al- ment However, Saddam sent his PH: (312) 764-2790 most lost his life twice—when he son, Uday, lo receive Tahcr at came face in face with a lion and Ihcir palace. FAX: (312) 764-2799 when he was almost beheaded by Before reaching iheUSA, Tahcr an African tribal group lo appease loured 30 countries including Uieir deity. Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, North His friend, Kumar, was equally Yemen, the UAR, Iraq, Kuwait, Anyone can sell jewelry but quality and service enthusiastic lo show to lite world Bahrein, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, thai people of diverse religious Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, makes it priceless. Visit a professional jeweler failhs can live logelhcr with com- England, Scotland, Israel, Sri LAXMI JEWELERS. plete harmony. However, he had Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, to abandon Ihc mission in London Brunei, Thailand, Hong Kong, The largest collection of 22kt gold jewelry and diamonds after travelling for two years he- China. Indonesia, Australia and cause of some family compulsions Japan. hack home in India. Talk ing of serious illness he suf- Giving details of his nightmar- fered, Taher said he was liospilal- ish African experience, Tahcr said i/.cd for 15 days in Tanzania with that in Ethiopia, when he and his malaria, cholera and diarrhea. He friend were drinking water from a is liiankful to a Hindu youth who brook, they were overpowered by rendered him all Ihchclpand served a group of Sifla tribesmen. The him in die hospital during his ill- two cyclisls were laken lo an area ness. where Ihc trihals were preparing Taher landed in Los Angeles on for human sacrifice. Taller said Uic firsl leg of his USA trip. He All repairs are done by professional jewelers on thai no amount of pleadings could bicycled from Los Angeles to premises soricnlhclribals.Outofshccrhclp- Houslon. Bui he had lo go back lo lessncss. Taller and his friend be- Los Angeles to pick up his Iravcl ttrfiftrato is forety presented FOR BRINGING THE MESSAGE OF UNIVERSAL PEACE AND GOODWILL TO LOS ANGELES AFTER CYCLING OVER 66,000 MILES IN 27 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES EMBRACE YOUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO BUILD BRIDGES OF PEACE AMONG ALL PEOPLES. JUNE 10, 1994 PRESENTED BY / / JACKIE GOLDBEiWr (x Councilmember ISthDjgrict NAGASAKI FRIENDSHIP CITIZEN CERTIFICATE Nagasaki flourished for centuries as Japan's only window ro the outside world and a gateway for foreign culture and learning. It has now been designated as an International City of Tourism and Culture. As mayor of Nagasaki, it is an honor and a privilege to confer upon Mr. Taher Madraswala the certificate of friendship citizen of Nagasaki, Japan October 19, 1993. I hope that you -will continue to strengthen the bond of friendship with Nagasaki and contribute to international goodwill and world peace as a close friend of our city. Hitoshi Motoshima Mayor of Nagasaki - 52 — f 75 i5-L' ±. ?f en K A ffl ' 1C 3 iJj CMC (7) : =. m s s!r !!•: a? tx a a "* •-- »• -t iss rii i; n as it mit, m H iABili'1'IX±ta»T7S •7? i^ c — BIT i if »«!»!,• 730 4" H Sf Psl tt IH,«(082)2.16-2]]l(5M«rir1) BHlSffuff l/.ffli-57« 1C g jffi RJ (S BIT I 13 ffi IK! 41 1993 IS IB K flf ^F (D + ± ft co ^ * t fet * IIS •NVARY 17,1992 Peninsular Malaysia 60 s;en e Sarawak 70 sen « Sabah 80 sen PP 18/1/92 FRIDAY. JANUARY 17.1992 - Johor plan for more Globe-trotting Taker's hotels,, mission for world peace shopping By Ravi Nambiar HIS is a one-man crusade on centres wheels to preach the mes- THE Johor Government sage of peace and brother- will set up a committee hood to all men. headed by Menteri Eesar Taher S. Madraswall's de- Tan Sri Haji Muhyiddin sire for peace has taken him Yassin — to oversee the de- to 28 countries around the velopment of hotels and world on a bicycle, 'distrib- shopping centres in the uting "peace" pamphlets to State. people he meets on the way State Tourism and Envi- Despite the perils of such ronment Committee chair- an odyssey, the 28-year-old man Datuk Jimmy' Low is undaunted. Boon Hong said the commit- In Ethiopia, he was al- tee will ensure that pro- most killed by tribesmen in posed plans for more hotels a bloody African ritual; in and shopping centres are various parts of East Africa approved soon. he was chased by wild ani- "We want to, offer tourists mals; in North Yemen he more variety. Given the was robbed; and in Abu choice, more people will Dhabi, he was arrested for come to Johor, be it for food icted drug trafficking shopping or entertain- --3 globe-trotting Indian ment." cyclist arrived in Johor He urged shopping cen- Baru last Friday from Singa- tres in Johor Baru to hold pore on a month-long tour more festive promotions as Taher, who hails from the OIL TANKER ANCHORED these will attract custom- Indian Gujerati town of Ah- ij NEAR PENGERANG TO -'. ers, particularly Sincauor- medabad — where Ma- -,. CLEAN THEIR VESSEL- '- eans. hathma Ghandi preached The State Government passive resistance — began | BEFORE APPROACHINQMI wants to promote Johor his mission on Feb 8 1987 ilHE SHIPYARD •'VS-^-'Swi Baru as a shopping haven. To date he has logged "In view of Visit Asean 5S.OOOkm on his bicycle and Year and Visit Malaysia tapes to visit ip more coun- Year 1994. we hope the Fed- :ries before ending the tour eral Government will help He has kept himself fit promote our State." :hrough yoga exercises, Datuk Low added that ight diet and cycling 150 to several entertainment out- 75 kilometres a day. let operators have asked the His current adventure State Government to extend as preceded by an all-India their operation time. lyclmg tour in 1982-83 "We will consider their re- vhen he covered the coun- quest ...maybe by another in a 26,500km sweep. hour, from lam to 2am dur- _Ie started with a paltry ing weekends and festive urn of US$1.000 (about Talier on the road. — Picture by Kenneth Wong seasons." 1S2.700). He said last year, there The adventure has so far u e d l set f J? §: myself the task caught him drinking from was a slight drop in the jst him US$73,000 (about of finding out the real rea- their mountain stream and number of Singaporeans en- ES197.100). The amount was " wanted to behead him tering Johor Baru. "Despite repeated pleas to "In 1990, we recorded 13 ireigners and host Govern- message." spare my life, the tribesmen million entries from Singa- ments which gave him free On several occasions, he were hell-bent in having my pore, including day-trip- ioard and lodging. was granted audiences with head. Having given up hope pers. Taher, who left his j PAGE 26 BORNEO BULLETIN, SAT/SUN 14/15 MARCH 1992 In Focus Gritty Indian cyclist nearly lost his head in Ethiopia up .il the Pusal Bella in the capital. And when does he plan to call it a day? A lovely girl is waiting fur him kirk home. "I was engaged In he m;irncd lo her before I The Indian cyclist with friends In Brunei. left. She is still longing Ihcir village where we for my return. were lied up. "Beside my family too is getting litlle anxious. By Ignatius Stephen '"[icy then began to 'Ilicy want me back as chanl prayers and made so»n as possible," he lold unmistakable signs that OBVIOUSLY there arc years ago wilh USSlOOO the WI-I-KEND. ninny paths lo pence. in his pocket. Ihcy meant lo sacrifice us Even on a bicycle. He had met many nota- by culling off our heads. Mm Mr 'labar will cycle And you could even ble people, mayors, mi- "We could do nothing on l-Ynm Brunei he hopes easily lose your head in nisters and top officials, but pray and .beg for to reiurn 10 Kuala Lum- the process. and have oflcn mcl wilh mercy. But they seem pur from where he will Thai is what 29-year- kindness from ordinary determined to go on. cycle to Bangkok. old Tahar S. Madraswalla people. "But then a strange Il is Ilong Kong then thing happened. An elder ind Japan and Korea be- from India, cycling the He '.has covered "" 1 world.fnr tbf. rm<;t spwn- n hia hlryirla nnH j ^ sletipcd- forward and fore Ca nadn..imd -the. Uni- ..'.-. f!^! years has discovered. • is billud to feature in the spoke and held up his Ted Stales. Tahar S. Madraswalla in Brunei. And although he barely Guincss Book of Records hand. escaped wilh his head in the 1993-94 edition. "The chanting stopped. whert Diptured by a sav- Me has used up three Me then released us and age tribe in Ethiopia he passporis. motioned us lo go. decided lo come lo Bor- And the people have "We picket up our bic- neo in any case. been generous. The jour- ycles and pedalled hard, "I just have to keep on ney has cost him up to Looking back we saw lo NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS cycling," he told ilie now US$72,000. our great relief that the WEEKEND. The scariest moment in tribespcoplc were not "ITic Indian cyclist's his entire travels happe- chiising us. They just saga began when after an ned when lhey*"Jwcrc stood and watched. appendicitis opcniiion pounced upon by a group "After Ihis incident the AGF Insurance (Singapore) Private Limited A & back home seven years of Sifta Iribcs people in Ethiopian Government ago. Eliophia. gave us two armed guards S Associates Sdn Bhd. He was silling liy llic "We were having a to accompany us in our hc.nch during his conva- drink in a river in a travels in that country. lescence when four Wes- remote parl of Africa "1 shall never forget this tern *cyclisls arrived. when we were confronted incident as long as I "They drew a lot of nt- by these |jcoplc who had live," said Mr Tahar. Please be advised that we have moved to our tcnlion from the local only tree bark for clol- Malaysia and England people. Then after a hing. are two of the best coun- new premises with effect from 9th March 1992. while I began lo ihink. "1 though! Ihcy were tries he had visited. And I loo wanlcd very much robbers, and we offered Brunei loo Ihc people arc 10 lake off on a bicycle in ihcm our watches and mosl friendly and helpful. Our new address and telephone numbers are as quest of peace," he said. money and everything we He hopes to meet as From the immemorial had. many people as he can follow : his cily, Alunedabad, had "But they refused ever- here. been centre of violent ything and brought us to He is currently pulling religious strife between Ihc Hindus and Muslims. "I wanlcd tn prove otherwise. So Scri Jaya, a A & S Associates Sdn Bhd Hindu friend of mine and myself decided lo sci ofl Unit 3 -1 Gadong Properties Centre to show the world lhal the two people of diffe- rent religions could live Jalan Gadong PO Box 2632 like brothers. "We shared the same Bandar Seri Begawan 1926 room, ate from the same plate and faced the same Brunei Darussalam problems for Iwo and a half years," Ihc Indian cyclist said. Bui his Hindu friend 02-420766 left aflcr Iwo and a half Telephone Nos years because of family problems al home. 02-424359 Bui Mr Tahar conlinucd on his adventures. 02-423779 His travels have taken him to many African countries, Europe and Sri Lanka and many pans of Facsimile No : 02-440279 Asia, since he and his friend set off from India for East Africa seven Tahar Madraswalla wilh the Mayor of London. been secured with a lock and chain. Now wherever I go, I keep the bicycle by my side even if it means carrying it up a staircase for Taher Madraswalla the night." Taher's present bicycle is a 21-speed machine with1 a built-in World Bicycle Traveller by Yves Vaz cyclocomputer and a stereo sys- tem. aher Madraswalla is message of peace and brother- accounts, it becomes apparent a soft-spoken man of thirty, hood." On meeting him now that the human species is the Peddling; Peace fierciest of them all. with a serious countenance and observing his somewhat Taher hails from Ahmedabad that gives the impression that subdued disposition, one where he belongs to the Dawoodi he seldom smiles. Seven years wonders whether an initial Ethiopian Head Bohra M.uslim community. ago, young Taher set out to youthful enthusiasm, at the Hunters Ahmedabad is a hot-bed of Hindu- time of setting out on his pedal his way around the Taher tells of a harrowing Muslim violence. "Every few months there are Hindu-Muslim world "to preach forcefully the project, has now turned to be- experience in Ethiopia where he fights/' said Taher in soft tones wilderment after his experi- narrowly got away with his life. tinged with Sadness. "So I decided Taher cycles through the Malay ences as a globe traveller. Captured by barbaric Sifta along with one of my friends, Mr countryside; One would imagine that tribesmen while traversing hilly a globe-trotter's or globe- Taher was interviewed on television and in the print media while in Hon£ Jain, to go outside and distribute terrain, Taher and his fellow- a message of universal peace and pedaller's main problems traveller, Jain, also an, Indian cyclist who at the outset When asked what he thought brotherhood."And so the duo — a arise from trekking headman, an aged man of seventy Dawoodi Botira Muslim and a •accompanied him for a while, came or eighty, indicated by signs to the had actually saved him, Taher through wilderness. One Hindu of the Jain community - set within an inch of being terrorized pair that they would be didn't hesitate. "God. Allah," he conjures up images of out on a bicycle tour of India and unceremoniously decapitated. beheaded soon and were free to promptly answered. Besides this the lone traveller thence around the world. "They didn't want to rob us/' said send their final prayers heaven- close brush with a near-death situ- brought face to face Mr Jain dropped out after Taher. "They wanted our heads for ward. ation, the pair were also robbed on with wild animals two-and-a-half years. Taher, how- some sacrificial purpose." "We were in tears and cried three different occasions during such as tigers or ever, persevered and is now in the In broad mid-afternoon day- unashamedly, kissing the mud- their travels in Ethiopia. Eventu- seventh year of his world travels k pythons. How- light, in mountainous terrain caked feet of some one hundred ally, the authorities provided them obviously seelcing to establish a ever, from where they had stopped to take a and fifty people who were congre- with a military" escort of three world record vvorthy of entry into traveller drink of water, four tribesmen, gated to watch the proceedings/' armed soldiers to continue their Taher's scantily clad in leaves, and wield- narrates Taher. "We pleaded with tour. the Guinness Book. To date, he has logged 90,OOO kms. Inside India ing long knives, ambushed them them to spare our lives but met Taher's sojourn in Africa was on the lonely hill-track and held with kicks and no sympathy." also marred by tropical disease. itself, he covered 26,500 kms be- fore setting out on foreign soil. He them captive with blades at their Soon the old man again indi- While in Tanzania, he was hospi- has so far covered the Middle East, throats. Assuming that they were cated that their time was limited. talised for fifteen days with attacks Africa and Europe. He is now in after money and valuables, Taher Hopeless now, the wretched pair of cholera and malaria. the process of touring East Asia and Jain- immediately offered all turned for succour to their Gods. Food has been some problem their money, wrist-watches, cam- Taher went into the ritualistic for this staunch Muslim who has to after which He intends to cover eras and other valuables. However bendover postures of Muslim abide strictly by the Muslim rules North America, the tribesmen showed no interest prayer. "Allah, please save our of abstinence from pork and eating As a member of the Dawoodi Bohra sect, Tsther has received in these things. lives," he intoned repeatedly. only halal food. While on the move, Although communication "I don't know how or why. he usually stops every two hours ready support from this affluent was almost impossible when the The old man changed his mind for a snack of tea and biscuits. This Muslim comm.Tj.ruty wherever his alarmed travellers tried to find out suddenly. He began to kick our sustains him throughout the day travels have talcen him. what their captors wanted of bicycles and made signs that we until nightfall when he stops at a By mid-19 ^3, Taher hopes to them, they finally gathered were to mount the machines and suitable town for his main meal. qualify for entry into the Guinness through sign language that it was depart. At first, in our confusion Book of World Records. He will then return home to Ahmedabad. their heads which were in de- and fear, we didn't understand. Larceny in London mand. We couldn't believe that he was Another unnerving incident The distressed pair were actually setting us free. We won- Taher tells of, is how he lost his Taher in *own then taken down to the little dered what new game they were bicycle in London. "My original Making a brief stopover in valley town where their cap- now playing. Anyway, we got on Indian bicycle was stolen in Lon- Hong Hong, Tarier met the Indian tors were joined by other fel- the bikes and pedalled a\vay, half- don. I now have a British bicycle Commissioner a. nd also took the low tribesmen. Taher and expecting to be pursued and bought for me by the leader of the opportunity to publicise his efforts Jain were bound, hands and brought back. We didn't even look Bohra community in London. I had through the locr-al media. He was feet, and after the tribes- back but pedalled furiously for at i*one to .it tend a function at given exposure i ri the press, on ra- i men '"'{ ^"." >?--'^T:Afct debated their fate for least ten minutes. We then stopped Dorchester Hall. On coming out dio and on television. The local ..- V"-_-^;*a-iC^^i about two hours, their ,md realised we were indeed free! after three hours, I found that Dawoodi Bohra Muslim commu- We took ,T drink nr water ,ind went bumi-'body had taken away my bike nity took the opportunity to felici- from the parking lot where it liiul tate him He was given a gift ol the University authorities heave a great .-.J.—.. >..! *-• -U...-..J • -i-w^-.' .• —-- sigh of relief. Naturally. The cover and u~iin< HI the pages were of the famous Silver A Chandamama pull-out A 14-YEAR ODYSSEY ENDS' Bible. It is so called because, the pages of the 6th century holy book have all The parents olTaher Madraswalaof been written in silver ink, and embel- Ahmcdabad gave him permission to go lished ingold used forcerlain letters and on a bicycle trip the borders on all the pages. The cover, lasting only six too, has a lot of silver about it. It is gen- The fort!' c! r.rnlh-v.-^ months. He was erally believed that the Silver Bible was are inscpurr.My ',.if-'.••. 18 then. The ad- stolen from Prague (Czechoslovakia) by lite and tiniisollho!.; venture bug bit Swedish soldiers in the 17th century. hero, Shivr'.ji him and he con- This rare copy, written in the Gothic lan- Ho was born at Jr tinued riding his guage, has since remained within Swe- old Salavahnin fort, o bike (or fourteen den. February 19, 1G30. long years. After Torna v.-.ns Iho lirr. trekking nearly DRIVING INTO BOOK OP RECORDS Shivaji look I If; or.cijp 116.000 km and visiting as many as 30 On May 19, Sunny Kanodiadrove a v/itlicut bloodshed in 1 countries, he has now sought their per- car on the streets of Bombay; earlier, the Iiij.?purg,iirison h: on May 7, he drove a car in Calcutta; home leaving tho foil i mission once again - no, not to prolong still earlier, he did the same thing in . ed during trm niiny EC. his adventure, but to return home! Since Ahmedabad, Nowgaon, Guwahati, and said that ho unonrlii-.c he slarled in 1981, Taher had not been Surat where he is a student in the treasure h Uic iort v,h merely cycling; he wrote diaries, col- Nursery used lo build n new In lected scraps of information, took pho- class. Rajgarh, b;irrly nine I tographs, and lately prepared video Yes, He ruled from Hajgarr tapes of the countries he went to and Sunny is next Iwenly years. the people he met during his travel. If he only four Shivajicor were to prepare a book, it would sure be years Kor.'Janr, in a best-seller. old. He ceded il Ic learnt Mughnl SILVER BIBLE driving the Two pages of a Bible and its cover in Feb- ^' . Pur; ruary, after being inspired by 4-year- were missing since April 5, from the old, Juhi Agarwal, of Hyderabad, whom University of Uppsala in Stockholm. A he sawdriving a car in 1993. "Why can't month later, the Security section of the \T he asked his parents, and they University received a phone message taught him how to take the steering that they were safe in a locker rI the wheel. The rest of it now awaits an entry Stockholm main railwaystation, making in the Guinness Book of Records. A Lactlon r.l Ilin li.-- s •- •£ » -;i5 g"2^ o= 3 ='g- 5 X^1 c na; w^^i-^o, 6 m "o 8 5 S ^ ^< E RJ 2 D.-S Oct^t.l'S-B s-llffls. •s H-S I"L" g>~ " 'E- o ° «00 JJ £"§"C.?lS^— ES^l °.^o5ojg> CLJ: ' 13 •- . 0 "5 .2 - l|5-- i 1 .Jj —'C^'gfl'v ulO) — 01 1- t- •o g ^5 x g .9 £ » > X fl 4-1 I—I '^3 U "•* "a c £ c •? ^ i £-2 E " P 9 « P si." " S •^ S 'g ~ I c^ *• " 1 .2 e '?,? 3e^2= -•"-S".H>™|"^ £>'3 E-- "§'«a8SS l^lssifigsssll-Si-g^Ks3~ " -a-S a^-S'g £ o,g g *- *••>-- - " "'• p.« g E ^ NSI D — T3 u xi ~ ~ CLTJ 3 — ~ Indian cyclist on world peace mission JAKARTA (JP): If over which gave him Hie best re- his trip. The donations initial- al to nine more countries be- ception ever. The govern- ly reached $1,000 each, but fore ending his world odys- :1 Lhat sports can help ment provided a military es- same people have given him sey. "My patient fiancee is promote peace and brother- cort for the cyclist and bore much handsomer donations. anxiously wailing for the hood. Taher S. Madraswalln bloody clashes belween Hin- all the expenses of his stay in He has received nearly nuptials back home." is that man. dus and Moslems. Ironically, that country. $22.000 in donations so far. From New Zealand he will For Taher. a 30-year old Ahmedabad was the birth- The spirit of adventure The press in the countries go on to Fiji. Japan, and the Indian, global peace is a place of Mahatma Gandhi kepi him going through 31 he visits also help him spread United Stales. His ex- lifelong mission which he is who preached passive resist- countries where he gained his message of peace. periences will be published dying- to accomplish through ance, the concept that intro- new insights and diverse ex- Taher. who set off on this in a book, first in Ins mother a cycling tour duced the idea to Ihe world periences. tour from his hometown in tongue, Gujarali, and later in With an ordinary bicycle that protest and opposition In North Yemen, for exam- February, 1987, hopes to ped- English. ;ind 'extraordinary courage. could be non-vjolent. ple, he was robbed of all lus' tins cyclist has set out on a Taher said his peace mis- possessions. While in Abu ' v.-orld lour to spread the mes- sion was to satisfy his longing Dhabi he was mistaken for a sage of peace and solidarity lo understand the predica- drug trafficker, arrested and' mmme humankind. ments faced by his fellow Infer released. \\\$ bicycle, wil'n its Malff men. l,nr<> Nni War sticker, im- "1 set out nn the lour with a Guinness record medialHy allracts attention Hindu friend. Seri Jaya. to Despite all the close calls, wherever he got-s because it show the world lhat despite Taher is more determined appears overloaded. He car- all the religious haired at than ever to prove thai the iirs seven bags, two water home. we. of the warring re- age of the adventurous soul is Mottles, and two flags — the ligions, could live in peace. far from over His spirit never flng of India and another for But now my friend has left flags and he has risen to the v.halever country he is lour- because of a family setback at occasion during each crisis. ing at the lime. home, but 1 am continuing This member of (he Taher. who has been on Ihe my mission." he said. Dnivoodi Bohra Moslem r'Md fur seven years, said he Community said he did not has pedaled across African, Almost beheaded "set out lo break any records, ifi Middle East and South Asian His firm conviction is "No although he is to be featured i mi nines His journev totals matter what a person's be- in the 1993-1994 edition of the ii'-nrly 90.000 kilometers to liefs, the color of blood is Guinness Boofc of Records. always the same and peace is The 152 centimeter lall man ojt.iir actually what human seeks," said he kept himself in fine pn-ccik'd by an all-India cy- Inm through yoga exercise, a The gentle, humane at- light diet, and a cycling regi- cle lour in 1982-19R3. when he titude this concept instills in men that stretches between CMvered the country in a Taher is perhaps why some sn-ecp extending 26.50(1 km. 150 and 175 km per day Sifla tribesmen in Ethiopia, Taher will be leaving Jakar- Taher said cycling was a who caught him and a friend tri tomorrow tu continue his hobby, but he later realized while they were quenching -World Bicycle Tour For that his bicycle could also be their thirst in a river, set them Peace" to Denpasar. Bali The his "home" if he packed free after they had begun a enough supplies on it. That Madras tradesman, has been chant for a ceremony in in Jakarta fur about a week proved to be especially true which they planned to be- imri after leaving Bali, plans when he traveled through head the strangers lr. lake his message to Au- East African deserts. stralia before proceeding to "It was scary. We could do Besides clothing, his sup- New Zealand. While in In- nothing but pray and beg for plies include a first-aid box, donesia, he was hosted by the mercv. But they seemed to be tools for minor repairs, extra Indian ambassador. determined to go on with innertubes and spokes. The bearded cyclist, who their mission. It was then Taller said that on his jour- wears a fez much of the lime, providence saved us and our ney he is sometimes treated paid the idea "fa peace mis- prayers were answered. An to meals. His love for making sion en me to him al a time elderly person from the tiibe friends has garnered him PEACE ON WHEELS: Globe trotting 30-year old when "there was so much stepped in and held up his much support from individu- Indian, Tahqr S. Madraswalla. pedals his way along a Jakarta fighting going on in the hand. Immediately the chant- als and associations. street. The bearded cyclist and tradesman from Madras, has set world." ing stopped," Taher said. Indians living overseas and out on a world tour to spread the message of peace and solidarity This was (.-specially true in "He released us and asked the natives of Ihe various among humankind. Ha has been in Jakarta for about a week and his home of Ahrnedabad. a us lo go. We rode off quickly. countries he has visited have after a short visit to Bali plans to take his message to Austraha n'y in the western Indian IhanUing God." given him a helping hand. before proceeding to New Zealand. He has pedaled across 31 >l.ili- of BAGAIMANA HEBATNYA 'PERANG ANTARA DUAJANDA PENYEBAR FIKIRAN RAKYAT Kepala Taher : nyaris dipenggal orang asli gunung Ethopia f|!ilj a ../.IS § = ? £ 3. * 2-g. Di=-.-E--5 "" 3| £s* %*** 1l3l£3S- £ | gl 8: g^l^pBr,, t*: ^i-zrng- <" 3- ^ £. 3 TT £T Sf 3- 3 5T s^cVllS-^c ~ H^ll gnlll nih lim&^i v S.35.S.S- »§.£5 * £S»?g= S^SH EB3g |^ ^iilsil- 33 =j?^if €|S'1S ill I in I f-M&ii sl^isJF & iiifiin iniiri^ j^n E" 3 '£ 3 ' 5'3 "£ 3 eg | '"«*% ii'EiU flBi |flil |B|fl^^!I^tll!!^ ills I "C-3F- F llll I L TAHER scdang berlcpas dari Muar unluk memulakJn pcnpr kc sclunih Malaysia. AMBASSADOR OF INDIA HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR INDIA JAKARTA 3-5 MOONAH PLACE, YARRALUMLA CANBERRA. A.C.T. 26OO Tel. 73 3999, 73 3774, 73 3875 TeloJ AA62362 July 19, 1993 the 14th May,1993 TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN I was very happy to meet Mr.Taher S. I renewed my acquaintanceship with Shri Madraswalla when he called on me at my office Tahir Madraswala, world cyclist, in Canberra, after during his transit stay in Jakarta, Indonesia. having seen him a few years ago in Italy. He continues Mr. Madraswalla, who has been travelling on his to be a determined and self-respecting world traveller bicycle around the world for the last eight years, on his bicycle. In his own way, he is spreading gave me a graphic account of his very interesting knowledge about India and friendship between travels and of his mission to promote global peace. people. Mr.Madraswalla is an enterprising young- man and I was impressed to hear about his experiences While in Australia, Shri Madraswala has in different lands. He Informed me that he is now met various dignitaries and also been the subject proceeding from Indonesia to Japan and will thereafter of some favourable newspaper articles. visit North America before returning to India. I wish him all success in his travels and in his mission. (A.M.TKaTeeli) High Commissioner ( Vinay Verma ) Ambassador of India EXCELLENT CONTINENTAL SPECIALITIES THE HOUSE OF THE BEST S1EAKS & SEAFOOD 58/4 Sol Ruant-nidl, VHhayu Road, near U.S. Embasty, Bangkok Tel: 256-6E44.. 256-6875-6 Fax: 256-6603 PAIN of th. HE IS BILLED to be featured in the hasn't set out Lo break any records, 1993-94 Guiness Book of Records. He though he is billed to be fpRtureci in the has covered over 90,000 kilometres on 1993-94 edition of the Guiness Book of two wheels. Records. He has used up three passports. Has What inspired him to launch the mis- covered Africa, Europe, many parts of sion were four Western cyclists who Asia and was nearly sacrificed by a rode to Ahmedabad while he was rplnx- tribe in Ethiopia. ing on the beach. But this 29-year-old, a Muslim from "Much attention was focussed on the state ofGujerat in India, for whom them. 1 thought for myself and decided a beautiful bride ia waiting at home is to start a global ride in quest of pence. continuing his mission. He is riding to "Because from time immemorial my CI' spread a mission of peace to the world. city has been the centre of violent reli- 71 That was perhaps why, some Sifta gious strife between Hindus and Mos- Kin tribesmen in Ethiophia who caught lems. So I set out with a Hindu friend u-k i him and a friend, while they were Seri Jaya, to show the world that de- Kilh.i! Quenching their thirst in a river, set spite all the religious hatred at home, Wn- them free, after they had begun a chant we of the warring religions rould live IS SI to behead them. in peace. "It was scarry. We could do nothing "We shared the same room. Ale nfT MAT but pray and beg for mercy. But they the same plate nnd faced the snme prnh their seemod to be determined to go on with lems for nearly three years. My friend the Si t-heir mission. It was then providence left because of family setback's hnrk Fhpln saved us and our prayers were an- home, but I am continuing, carrying Rn,.n, swered. An elderly person from the the message of peace" he snid. Idol I tribe stepped in and held up his hand. Tahar may not be a champion ri MELBOURNE LEADEH March 9.1993 A peace R AND TEMPLESTOWE NEWS March 17, i peddler watch rides off I By DAVID CROFTS | TAKER M&draswala has devoted eight years to a cycling journey promoting world peace. But he plans to relurn MAN on a mission fn India next year, saying found welcome re- his message had been A spile in Doncaster ignored. last week. Mr Madrasivalfl set off Indian peace enthusiast Taher Madraswalla has from London in 1985 and spcnl eight years cycling has travelled throughout around the world spread- Furope, Asia, Africa and ing a peaceful message. the Middle East. Born in the war-plagued Ilia scrapbook of press Gurjaral State in northern clippings from all over the India and raised, as a Mos- norld would rival that of lem, Taher decided to any Hollywood star, spread ihe message of uni- He has dined with Sau- versal peace and brother- di Arabian princes, was hood when he was 22. given a military escort Originally planning to cy- throughout parts of Africa MR Madraswala. cle around India in six and was almost hacked to months, Taher was spur- tit nth by a remote Ethio- not been a success. There red on by supporters and pian tribe. is still so much fighting decided to navigate Ihe Mr Madraswala said going on in so many coun- globe on his trusty bike. his experiences in Ethio- tries," he said. "My friend who is a pia were terrifying. Mr Madraswala starts Hindu came with rnc," "I was with a friend and the Australian leg of his Taher said in Doncasier, we had stopped in the journey — some 4000 where he stayed at a shadow of a mountain for kilometres through Syd- fiiend's house. a drink. Then a man with ney, Brisbane and poss- "We wanted to show a big knife came up be- ibly Adelaide — next people that people with re- hind us and took us back week. ligious differences can eat to his tribal elders," be To donate money to the from the same plate and said. peace journey, contact Mr share the same bed," he WORLDLY but weary yet... Taher Madraswalla, has spent eight years AliTeraion87642l8. said. spreading his peace message around the world. "We pleaded for our •';-•'•:-•'.'•.-to Slaving off marauders lives ... we prayed and and life-threatening dis- them to stop. We thought Taher has chalked up turing business and marr} finally they let us go, I ojn eases, including cholera it was the end but the more than 93,000km his patient fiance. still do not know why/' HO 2 and malaria, Taher had religious leader changed across Asia, Africa and "We were engaged eight his most terrifing experi- his mind and let us go." Europe. years ago, so she has As a youth in the Indian ence in Ethiopia. As a man of peace, wailed a long lime. I have town of Ahmedabad "My friend and I were Taher refuses to carry His advenlures include meeting Saddam Hus- only seen my family once (birth place of Mahatma drinking from a stream weapons or physically de- on my travels. Gandhi) Mr Madraswola and a tribe came up be- fend himself. Even when sein's son in Iraq and witnessed racial hatred hind us and put knives at his prized bike was stolen dodging crossfire in Ire- "Before I left India that "was out of control". our necks," he said. in London, he turned the land and Yugoslavia. there was no life there. "They bound us with other check. He hopes to end his trip People were warring all He said these experi- oj^s^es- ropes and took us to their "I lost all my goods and in 1994 after crossing the time. ences and the desire to America. religious leader. clothes but some money "Even if things arc the educate young people "We were put on the came through from my about prejudice kept him When he finally returns same, at least I will feel I ground and kicked. We community and I kepi home, Taher will join his have iricd to spread the going. "But I feel sad loo just cried and prayed for going." father's plastic manufac- word of peace." because my mission has WAREHOUSE UP TO PRICE SALE SjlO COMMERCIAL RD, KINGSGROVE:: CUMBERLAND NEWSJAPER GROU Vol 9, No 24 Tuesday, May 4, 1993 Phone 707 4177 Circulation increased to 78,000 Nosmber, 1992 INDIAN Taher Madraswalla was given per- mission by his parents to travel around his troubled homeland with his message of peace for six months. Taher left his family and fiancee with a mission to bring peace between Muslims and Hindus — spreading the word from the scat of his pushbike. That was eight years ago. He has yet to return home. Taher's brave and inspir- ing world journey for uni- versal peace is featured on pages K and 9. Taher Madraswalla . . . left home for six months eight years ago.PHOTO Mike Sabbath Taher just wants us all to live by NICOLE GUIHOT "We were the true example — hindu and muslim living peacefully together," Taher SICKENED by continual fighting said. between Muslims and Hindus in his During those four years Taher encountered Indian home town, Taher both welcome and opposition — three Madraswalla's family gave him attempts to enter Pakistan were refused by permission to fulfil his dream of the government. spreading a message of peace, for just "I don't know exactly why but I think they six months. may have thought I was a spy from India," Eight years and 94,000km later, Taher has Taher said. Taher prepares yet to return home. One incident he will never forget was an to do battle The 30-year-old from Ahmedabad has encounter with a band of knife-wielding with the streets carried his message for universal peace and Ethiopean mountain tribesmen. of our fair city brotherhood throughout the world on the Unable to understand what was being said but interpreting the actions of the tribesme- as he pauses backofapushbike. "I'd seen so many times the dead bodies as: 'start praying because you're going to aboard his die' the duo believed their pushbike ride heavily laden near my home, so I decided to go outside India and deliver the peace message," Taher had come to an end. bike to study said. "Before they asked us we gave them our the Sydney Last week Taher arrived in Campsie, from watches, camera, everything, but they didn road map Melbourne, for a two-week stay, during take them," Taher said. "They tied our which time he hopes to meet with Prime hands with rope and took our bicycle to the Minister Paul Keating. village and kept it nearly two hours before A member of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim returning. Community, Taher spend 18 months "They were making actions with their hand cycling around India, covering 26,500km, which indicated they were going to cut our then joined up with a hindu friend and took throats. We caught at their legs and started his message to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopea, crying and pleading 'please leave us, please United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi leave us'. Arabia, Egypt and Greek Turkey before "We thought there's no chance to go from embarking on a tour of Europe where here, this is the last of our lives. Taher's friend decided to return home. "We prayed asking Allah to save our lives."' in peace . . . and he's travelled the world to prove it- Taher said there was more arguing and Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, any financial problem I sell my goods," return for eight years. "My family only gave Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Bali gesturing before a man, they thought to be Taher said. me permission to go for six months. Above left: Taher the village leader, eventually gestured for before arriving in Melbourne. After leaving Australia, Taher will travel to "Now everybody is happy that I'm going to Madraswalla pic- them to go. Taher averages 150km a day and has often Japan, the USA, Canada and finally back be back soon. tured in Kuala "We thought he was playing a new game," spent nights in police stations because he home to India, arriving sometime in 1994. "When I started out some people laughed Lumpur, Malaysia. Taher said. couldn't afford a hotel. "Up to now mostly I find people need peace and joked saying you're not going to be He hasn't been "It was a most dangerous experience." His trip has been largely funded by everywhere," Taher said. successful, you don't have any money. I After arriving in London, and saying donations. "There are all different types of fighting — proved them wrong. home for eight years. Above goodbye to his friend, bis old faithful Indian However, upon arriving in Melbourne he religious, political, black and white. "I didn't know how to speak English but I bicycle was stolen, but was later replaced by had to sadly sell his camera which he has "I'm not any big leader or any politician but picked it up just by talking to people. right: The one-man peace mission local Indian community leaders. used to take 33,000 photos recording his I'm doing it from my own small level." "It was my dream. I'd like my children to On his own, Taher continued his journey travels. When Taher arrives home he is going to travel, one day, through any country on any plots his next over the next two-and-a-half years visiting "I never ask anybody for money. If 1 have marry his fiancee who has been awaiting his good mission." course VOL 1 NO. 2 MAY ] -15,1993 Price $1.00 4 The Indian Post Miiy 1-15 Gutsy Taher goes Globe Trotting for peace llv M.(J. for a drink of water. We were him pointing at our cycles and lie hits been on road for pouring water into tumblers sud- making some gestures. We were more limn six years, got al- denly four Uibal men crept from so terrified and confused that svc most killed by tribals was behind and placed knives on our couldn't understand him. It was necks."Tahcr and his friend, who only al'lcr repeated signs we real- niblicd many a limes and had heen robbed couple of limes ised he was telling us to pick up (lime without food for clays, before in the country, took the our cycles and leave. Though not all Tin-1 lie cause of peace a nd four men to he robbers and sur- sure of their motives we picked hrolliiTlinod of man. rendered their valuables without our cycles and left and were re- Taher Madraswala, ilic globe- asking. lieved to find no spears or knives mming eye I isis . wlm left India However, to their surprise the coming from behind." \vnh Inciid Sreyaiishkumar Jain four men threw the valuables back Alier ihai incident the two were in I')X7 Hi spread I he message of at them. "Since we didn't know given hy government three mili- peace and goodwill, arrived in their language we asked them tary men who escorted ihein Sydney leLcnlly. through gestures what lliey wanted throughout their travels in Ethio- 'lYoplr in India, as elsewhere and in no uninisUikablc signs they pia "Rut after that incident we had in ihe world, are siek ol riols and replied our heads." the most wonderful trip in Ethio- waul loli vein peace and thai is die The two peace loving cyclists, pia and were overwhelmed by the nK'ssage my Hindu friend and 1 wlm had been warned aboul tribes affection and help extended to us hoped in ennvcy," explained indulging in human sacrifice, were by Ihe people," Taher said. Taller, a Bohra Muslim who has then taken down the mountain with In UAE while cycling on the wimcs.sed many a communal riots their hands tied . After two hours highway from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in is honk'Um'M Afmicdabad. a group of about 100 tribal people they were suddenly aeeosled by a Before arriving in Australia, gathered around to prepare for the policeman who confiscated their 'I'aher travelled through some 26 sacrifice. passports and wilhoul any enquir- (.outlines and he has interesting "We were scared and terrified ies handcuffed ihe two and pin stories aboui every place some of and cried bitterly. We kissed the them in a lock up. The cyclists., - Taher.wilh London Mavor them . while mher mn so pleas- feel of the iribals seeking mercy were not even inlormed ol iheir But not without offering some be returned once 1 got the permit iinl. but they just kicked us." After a crime. money which Ihey declined. Ap- Among the inosl horrifying of while their hands were untied and A while later the two bewil- which I was denied. Eventually 1 parently ihe previous day two In- Ins experience was in Ethiopia, were told through gestures that dered cyclists were produced be- got my bicycle only on depar- dians and iwo Pakistanis had es- where he and his friend almosigoi their end had come and they could fore ii senior officer who when ture." caped from a jail. killed by iribals winning 10 please say their last prayers. presented wiih all the legal docu- Life hasn't been comfortable Taher, who before launching Gods by offering human sacri- "We said our prayers and sud- ments, including visa and a letter for him in Australia cither and in on this world tour had cycled fice. denly an elderly man appeared. from Indian Embassy, realised it Melbourne, after going without throughout India for Iwo years "Wo had been travelling for We pleaded to h i m for mercy. We was a case of mistaken identify food for three days, Taher was spreading message of brother- days and at one place we stopped were still crying when we saw and immediately released them. forced to sell his personal posses- hood, had planned 10 make Paki- sions, including a camera , in re- stan his first foreign destination. turn for some cash. Left with just Among tliccouniries he loured a cycle, phovo albums and a thick are Kenya, Tan/.artia, Saudi Ara- file of newspaper clippings of his bia, Yemen, Turkey, Greece, lour, Taher is looking forward lor France, Ireland, Uniied Kingdom, community support loenablehim Sri Lanka. Malaysia, Thailand, fulfil his mission. He has been , Indonesia,Chinaand"Hong Kong. helped by the Bohra community. Afler louring with Taher for Taher, who has already cov- iwo years, tiis friend dropped out ered aboul 94,000 km, plans lo go due to family problems. And from Japan and USA before returning London onwards Taher has been to India, to get married his fiance' travelling alone. of six years. Tuner's visit 10 China was a Besides giving Taher experi- bit of a disappointment loo. Al- ence and exposure, ihe v>odd lour lliough he was granted a visa lo has also made him a imilii -lingual. visit the country he was denied a "I didn't know a word ol English cycle perm it making it impossible or Arabic when I loll India and for him lo travel through ihc coun- now 1 can mnvcrsc comlonahly try. in bcillunc languages."said Taller, "I was uiken aback when they who can also speak I liiidi.ijujaiali asked me if I possessed a permit and Tamil. On his reiuin Taher for cycle, 1 had never heard of also hopes lo write :i hook on his such a tiling before. They ami i.v travels in his moilKv longuc eatcd in y bicycle and said it would Gujarati. Taller Madraswala with a Saudi Arabian Prince With Compliments TOPI W ALA FAMILY SHEBAB INTERNATIONAL (PTE) LTD. Tlie Straits Times, SotufJoy, Jonunry 4, IVV2 SINGAPORE QI04 Leisure PHONE NO 2?6J816'9 TEltX NO R& 3 NORMAN YAM meets an intrepid citizen of the world who spreads the peace mt"-a^e on a bicycle with four bags, two water-bottles and lots of faith. Do the ride thing- YOU might think he has gone Taher S. • cranky. Madraswall: 'I get . With the words - World Bicycle to see the world, ; Tour For Peace Sportsman — bold- meet different ' ly emblazoned on his jacket, Taher peoples, learn . S. Madraswall hit the road on a bi- about different ; cycle strapped with (our bulging cultures, but most bags and two water-bottles. importantly, I feel The stout, bearded man has been good travelling for cycling for the last six years, Inside peace and and outside India, his home coun- adventure.' try, to palm off "peace" pamphlets to people coming his way. Taher, 23, Is a Muslim from the state of Gujerat, but his desire for peace knows no bounds. The rationale behind his tours, as described in his pamphlets, Is "to see for myself and understand the reasons for the dilemma faced by humanity and to preach forcefully the message of universal peace and brotherhood". Though soft-spoken, he exudes the calm confidence of a man who has seen the world and, indeed, he has set foot in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Sri Lanka over the past years. His wanderlust took him to Sin- gapore recently, where he put up In a mosque for free In an alley behind Capitol Theatre. After his two-week sojourn here, he flew to Hongkong, from where he would proceed to China, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji ! Islands, and then back home. In India alone, he covered a total of 26,500km between 1981 and 1983. Four years later, he made his way to Africa, the Middle East and Eu- rope. The idea of a peace mission came to him at a time when "there was so much fighting going on In the world". From television and newspapers, he discovered that "everybody Is fighting In every part ot the world, for every reason — skin colour, re- ligion and so forth. Millions die, but nobody benefits from violence when It Is over. I set myself the task of finding out the real reasons why people fight, and at the same time, spread my peace message". But he was quick to admit that he was no big-time peace campaigner. "I'm just doing my bit at my lev- el." Taher set out with a friend, who Is of the Jalnlst faith (an offshoot of Hindustan). The purpose of a joint- trip was to "show by example that a Muslim and a Jain can share the same lodgings, and eat from the same plate". When his friend left the trip to attend to some contingencies back home, Taher soldiered on alone on his one-man mission. Television and newspapers help, to propagate his efforts by giving Indian communities and associa- sacrificial rite,- turing factory to putft him coverage and on several occa- tions In the countries he called on. they caught him ^d sue what his parents . sions, he was granted an audience The Indian High Commission, • from a mountain stream and fiance used to with state dignitaries. 1 which provided him with contacts, one afternoon.. scoff at as a "fruit- One of them was the Lord Mayor had proven to be of enormous help. "I. pleaded and -pleaded less task". Now, after ot Ealing, England. Uday Saddam them to spare my life.. But it just some six years. It Hussein, the son of Iraqi President But beyond that, Taher was on fell on deaf ears. I could not help might surprise them Saddam Hussein, was another. his own. On an average day, he weeping hysterically. Having given to find Taher- He recalled his Iraqi visit in 1988: travelled for 12 hours, with Inter- up all hope, I prayed, to Allah. Then emerging from his travel expert* "I happened to be there during its mittent stops. Once, he had to a strange thing happened. Two ences, both good and bad, a better ! WAT with Iran. Saddam Hussein brave the wintry cold In the United hours later, they set me free for no man. He said: "I get to see the ; agreed to see me, only to cancel the Kingdom, as he cycled from Blr-' apparent reason."- world, meet different peoples, learn appointment when he had to attend mlngham to Belford. On yet another occasion, he came about different cultures, but most an urgent meeting, He sent his son face to face with a lion, but man- Importantly, I feel good travelling to receive me Instead. I asked Uday Other hazards, such as Illnesses aged to shoo away the animal in for peace and adventure." several questions about the war, and diseases, abound. Cholera time. Despite the harrowing times, History may not remember his ef- but there were no replies from struck him in Zambia, where he he felt that "nothing can be forts for peace. But In his own way, him." was bedridden for 15 days. achieved If you are afraid of taking Taher typified the human spirit As no organisation was willing to His worst nightmare unfolded in risks". The whole business of risk- whlcn attempts to rfoar above the give him sponsorship, u5**H<] to Ethiopia, where some tribes threat- taking meant nothing to this man follies of violence and discrimina- draw on the financial support of ened to have bun beheaded at a who wound up his plastic-manufac- tion. . I ESC/1/1/341 My No. j Your No. 1. THE PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT Colombo i. 19 Septentoer 1991 Dear Sir I have been directed by His Excellency the President to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 06 September 1991, requesting an appointment with His Excellency to introduce Mr Taher S Madraswalla, the cyclist for Universal Peace and Brotherhood. You are kindly ' requested to ' seek an appointment with Hon Prime Minister as His Excellency the President is very busy. Yours faithfully Neville Additional- for Secretary to the President Mr Mansoor Rajaballi No.19, Station Road Wellawatte Colombo 06 20 Pages eg lea §6 di. 4.00 Established: 3-1-1918 FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 1991 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1991 THE DAILY WITH THE LARGEST CIRCULATION IN SRI LANKA SS 2535 trig •&•&•§> 1991 i)ca 30 1987 si sc:0 OOj §d® 0,3^® gsd 1881 SO 1983 <;dQi s® 5^5)- .. {fdg«Btsi soJa aSnSa sosga. 1984 ? cnog o;®«8 as OssSO Madraswala to ro gsdloi dOSfi DC sad djffl sSbg Qsi <500 HINDU AND MUSLIM IN TANDEM WORLD TRIP Pair ride Indian the world pair's for peace peace TWO CYCLISTS from India caught their breath in Leicester as they pedal pedalled round the world to promote international peace. TWO young Indian cyclists Childhood pals Taher S. Madraswalla arrived in Bradford on the (26) and Shreyanskumar C. Jain (23) latest leg of a world have been on the road for two and a cycling tour to spread half years spreading their message their message of peace across IB countries. And the pair, who have so far covered and brotherhood. 19,000 miles, believe they are perfect Taher Madraswalla, 26, a examples of peace since Taher is a Muslim and Shriyanskumar Muslim and Shreyanskumar a Hindu. Jain, 28, a Hindu, set out more than two years ago from Shreyanskumar said: "Our dream is to* Ahmedabad in India's Gujarat replace war with harmony throughout State. the world. "This town was once known "People have been extremely kind and as the home of Mahatma have been ready to lend support to Gandhi. Now It Is better help us on our mission." known for Hindu-Muslim The pair gave up jcbs in India and communal riots," said Taher. provided their own cash to cycle the "We want to show Hindus globe. and Muslims can live together Their hectic tour has already taken In peace and brotherhood. them through India, Africa, the Gulf Jalri added: "The only countries and Europe. difference between us is The pedal pals are staying in Leicester religion. We are trying to for two days with family friend convlnce'people there doesn't Shaikh Altasgar Morbiwalla (43) who need to be constant feuding runs a secretarial business in High- and bloodshed." fields. After a six-week tour of Britain they The duo have cycled 19,000. will set off for the United States, then miles together already, Japan and China, before heading PALS IN HARMONY: Taher Madraswalla (left) and Shreyansku- relying on the people they mar Jain cycle through Leicester. meet en route for food, shelter home in 1992. and money lor the next stage of Iheir journey. While In Bradford, Taher and Jain hope to meet the Lord Mayor, before setting off for Scotland, weather permitting. After a rest during Ramadan, they will set off via Belgium to Northern Europe, then via America, Japan, Australia, the Far East and China to Pakistan and India, where they hope to arrive in 1992, having completed 34,000 miles. TOO AY: WEEKLY SATELLITE TV GUIOE TOURISTS i li-itiiji' yo\u diit-ign iin-ni v .it finv tit thf 500 I'l.tnt /ies of r/i<- NATIONAL BANK 1 !it< MiijrsT hank in ( rll't'Ct' IVIf/I .'l5 ht.incli'-'s aronuti tlir LEKKA, 23-25, SYNTAGMA world Thirty Seventh Year No 9192 T~ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22,1988 Price: Seventy drachmas (70 drs.) 22,1988 ATHENS NEWS ing for Peace Four young men arrived in Athens recently other Indian cyclists-for-peace,, M. Sunder ; from India and are on a cycling tour of the Kumar and K.A. ffavithra Prasanna. /•: "; world to spread the message of peace and The'y'are being helped along the way'by brotherhood. Two of the cyclists left India in : donations of money and food, as well as hos- February 1987, having travelled through 14 1 pitality in the .countries they visit. Their mes- countries in the Gulf and Africa, a total of sage, tilled "Cycling for Peace", is contained 21,000 kilometers. The other two joined them on a small give-away leaflet which reads in in Athens and are planning to continue the part: 'I.'".. •. . -.1 global trip from here, going to Italy, Western Europe, the U.S.A. and then back home to "The. deep-felt desire for peace" and India, where they expect to arrive in 1992. brotherhood has now become, it seems; a. Taher S,. Madraswalla and dream to all. If we all joined hands together' Shreyanskumar, . from • Ahmedabad, we could transform this dream into a practical Mahatma Gandhi's home, are seen in the reality... A real brotherhood would put an end photo with their cycles carrying their peace to. frontiers, political and religious rivalries, message. They were joined in Athens by two hatred between nations and races." FRIDAY, ju LY 12,1991 Globe-trotting on bike for peace BY: AMINA ABDUL SALAM THE World IB now in need of every effort exerted, whether by individuals or organisations to spread peace among nations. Taher S. Madraswalla, 28, an Indian traveller has clamoured for pence through a cycling tour started February 3987, under the title "Cycling for Universal Peace nnd Brotherhood",The coll aims at putting and end to border disputes and religious and political conflicts. The Indian traveller, who \n currently visiting Cairo, hag begun hie tour from Ahmedabad in west India, it the Eftyptio went through a number of Indian cities including Australia, terminating in New situations telling that in Bombay."! embarked on an Zealand or the United States Ethiopia two men assailed all-lndia-tour, covering 26,000 then back to his country. him, pointed a knife into hie km in one and half a year" said neck, demanding money, a Madras wall a. It was an The Indian traveller said that many countries as ivoll as cnmera of a watch. In spite of adventurous trip and the this accident the Ethiopian success promoted him to go his country supported him with money provision, government provided him with into a world trip". escorts. He also faced Madras walla launched into a camping, kits besides morale encouragement. dangrous animals in Tanzania. number of African countries Madraswalla said that he such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mr. Madras walla pointed out how this idea was born in felt pence in Egypt more than Ethiopia, Djibouti, North any other country because the Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, his mind, and matured u ntil he Saudi Arabia, arriving at finally decided to crystallise it Egyptians are friendly and helpful, what led htm to repeat Egypt three years ago to in a practical way. He is keen to meet the Minister of Youth his visit. During the latter continue hla tour to Greece, visit, he visited Port Said, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Italy, and Sports and the Indian Suez and Alexandria in France and England. Ambassadors to each of the countries he visits and they addition to several districts in Mud mi walla said that this Cairo. He said that his tour is the second time to visit ahvays offers him all kinds of help. will take more G or 8 months to Egypt and that he is intent to be completed in April 1992 at go on his tour to Pakistan, The peace caller said that his which ho will have covered On board meeting with Egyptian newly-met friends Malaysia, Singapore, trip ie full of exciting 34,000 miles of the world. •Gulf QoiluSTewReadership ^^& in Bahrain of more than 45,000 a day s SUNDAY, 7TH AUGUST 1988 Gulf Daily News Sunday, 7th August 1988 Pages 'Peace' cyclists visi TWO Indian cyclists have pic Committee." said Mr arrived in Bahrain as part of Madraswala. • a four-year global tour, to The oclKts «.et om on spread the message of world island Micir advcn in runs |ourm.'\ peace and brotherhood. harmony and goodwill, and with SI.IHHI cadi 11115377). Taher S Mndraswala and we distribute leaflets in En- hm spent more ili.ui $22.(inn Shriyanskumar C Jain hnve glish and Arabic to world (BDS2y-4) MI 1':ir hoin don.i- already, covered 17,000 leaders," said Mr Madras- linns receded finm liuluii kilometres after flying to wala. ornanisatuiia"' iiiul mlu11 Nairobi from their home "Pedalling across friendly people. town of Ahincdiibnd. in Cm torn Iraq was mei lorablc. Their yoal i^ lo cmci .1 jurat, in February last year and we were espcci total of iDO.dllH kilnmeiK^ They have "pedalled py to deliver the pe and stop their jouine^ in through Kenya, Tanzania sage to Uday Sadd m 1lus- Pakistan in l:iie IWI. :itur Ucand.i, Ethiopia, Djibouti sein. son of Ilic Ira i Presi- visiting Saudi Aiahi.i. f-i:\pi. North Yemen, the UAE dent, during our meeting G reeee. F,u rope. US. A11 - Kuwait and now Bahrain. with him in his capacity as slralia. Fiji and J:ip:m. Mr Madraswala dell) and Mr Jain being received by Mr Karuppaiyah at Die embassy yesterday. "Our message is peace chairman of the Iraqi Ol'ym- They were nearly killed in a bloody ritual b\ IrihaK it) Ethiopia, where lliey were rolihed of all tlieii po^ev sions and stoned for mile1- b\ children. "We hope to he in Bnhi.nn for (wo weeks when \\e fakes would like to meet the coun- try's lenders." said Mr Jain They were received by A Karuppaiyah. Charge d'Af- faires at the Indian Embassy, yesterday. They can he contacted through Ihc embassy or at the Omar Khayam Hotel. where they are staying. SAUDI GAZETTE 28-9-1988 If we all join hands, say world-bikers international peace and brotherhood. They want (b ' self-sponsored. People help us wherever we go," Yemen, thty found to their dismay one morning that Ihty BYMIRAYOOBALIKHAN hive been robbed ofeverylhlng except their bicycles. contribute their might to this lofty ideal. "If we all they said. In the UAE, as they were about to cross the Dubai Saudi Gazelle Staff join hands, together we can transform this dream Sriyans and Taher left Bombay on February 2, border, a police car pulled over beside them. Two HE is no Timur. Bui he shares two main into reality," they say. 1987 and flew lo Kenya, which they covered in policemen came out of the car, handcuffed them and took characteristics with this great I4lh century . Their feelings are particularly significant given about a month before moving on lo Tanzania, them lo a police station. They had no idea why they were conqueror—he is lame and he is courageous. (he fact that both of them come from Ahmedabad, a Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, North Yemen, the • : arrested. Liter in the night, when they explained who Ihty Sriyans Kumar C. Jain fractured his leg in sports city In the western Indian stale of Gujarat, which is UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and now the were, it was evident that it was a case of mistaken identity. and never got cured completely; he still limps. But, known in recent times more for the bloody clashes Kingdom. The police were looking for two others from the Indian when his friend Taher Salehbhoy Madraswalla between Hindus and Muslims than anything else. Their journey through Ethiopia, North Yemen sub-continent who were carrying drugs. Sriyans, 29, and Taher, 26, are bachelors. They plan lo proposed to him a world tour on bicycle, he readily Sriyans is a Jain, a small minority community in and the UAE was laced with danger and mishap. In agreed. Sriyans and Taher have travelled over complete their expedition by 1992. Last Sunday they left India, and Taher is a Muslim. "We wanl lo tell our Ethiopia they fell Into the hands of tribesmen who for Egypt from when they plan to go to Greece and Ihen 17,500 km and they have to pedal thousands or countrymen as well as the people of the world that were bent upon killing them. Fortunately, one of kilometres more before they complete their Turkey. From there on. It will be the European continent In there is no way but through peace for humanity to the tribesmen recognised Sriyans and Taher as one go, then the ret of the world. They would like to adventurous sojourn. progress," they say. foreign tourists and helped them flee the place. In a re-enter India via Pakistan, the list foreign land on their Sriyans and Taher share the dream of The two adventurers have no sponsors. "We are rest house in the port city of Hudaida, North tour map. Sriyans and Taherjusl belore they set oft Trom Jeddah. — Photo by M.J. Rana Indians cycling around the world CAN there be communal har- iopia. They were robbed of all mony in India, or the world? their possessions and stoned "Of course. Look at us. He is Mission.' world for miles by children who coul- a Hindu and I am a Muslim. peace dn't idehtify themselves with And there is no malice, hatred two lone men in the wilderness. or rivalry — religious or other- Ethiopia also gave them the wise — amongst us," says 25- beliefs; the colour of blood is best reception — the govern- year-old Taher Salehbahl the same." ment provided a military escort Madraswala, one of two Not surprisingly what prom- for the cyclists and bore all the Indians cycling around the pted them to embark on their expenses of their stay in the world. Their mission — world peace mission, and adventure, country. peace and harmony. were the "cries of women and Donations Taher, a Bohra Muslim, and children in our neighbourhood Indians living overseas and his childhood friend 28-year- in Ahmedabad; what people natives have been giving them a old Shriyans Kumar Jain, have did to each other should not be helping hand, donating gen- been cycling around-the globe done," said Jain. In the early erously towards their trip. They since 1987. Both hail from 1980s, they were involved in a started with $1,000 each, but Ahmcdabad, once Mahatma Congress (I) peace committee, have been getting handsome Gandhi's home but now better helping victims of communal donations, spending nearly known for the Hindu-Muslim hatred. $22,000 so far. riots that erupt from time to In early 1984, they sought the In Kuwait, they were put up time. government of India's permis- by the Kuwait police at the Sal- They feel that most Indians sion to cycle around the world. miya police station for a night. live in relative harmony outside Three years later, they got the "The policemen were very India but become "victims of necessary papers and set out on good; they provided food and vested interests at home." their adyenturous journey in beds for us because we did not Firm February 1987 from Kenya, have a place to stay," they said. On the road: Jain pictured on arrival at the Kuwait border So, propagating lofty ideals flying to Nairobi because Pak- Now, they are staying with in the hope that "people istan did not permit them to compatriots from Ahmedabad, around the world would over- cycle across theiMerritory. and the Bohra community is come the barriers of race, So far, the duo have pedalled raising money for their onward religion and colour," they across Kenya, Tanzania, journey, which will take them pedal across rough terrain, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, sleep in the deserts and meet i^orth Yemen, the UAE and Egypt and then on to Europe officials of the countries they ' Iraq. A journey totalling nearly and perhaps to the US. have been visiting, and will be 17,000 kilometres. "We hope that the peoples of going to. The spirit of adventure kept the world would join hands and Their firm conviction, them going in Africa where make the dream of peace a however hollow it may seem, is: they were nearly killed in a reality, they says. "No matter what a person's bloody ritual by tribals in Eth- Taher with some Indian residents in the UAE Jain (fifth left) and Taher (seventh left) in Baghdad. The First English Language Newspaper Published in the Saudi Capital VOL. IV NO. 88 12 PAGES 2 RIVALS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1988 MOHARRAM 25, 1409H Indian world tour cyclists in Kingdom VOL. Xm NO. 300 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1988 — SAFAR 11, 1409 A.H. 16 PAGES, 2 RIVALS 'Spreading the message of peace and brotherhood' By Riyadh Daily Staff whole of Europe, including special word of thanks for the gave us all the moral thrust RIYADH, Sept. 5 — Close East Bloc countries, the Un- Ethiopian government who we needed," they said. on the heels of Indian micro- ited States, Australia, New had extended them And moral support they light aircraft flier Vijaypat Zealand, the Far East and "wholehearted support indeed need for they ride Singhania's flight through the Pakistan. throughout." 175km every day, taking a GLOBE TROTTING Kingdom, comes two more While in the Kingdom, the Of course, the twosome break only after two hours of CYCLISTS: Two dare-devil Indians — this two will also visit Jeddah. will never forget Ethiopia for . continuous riding. And the globe-trotting Indian time on bicycles. Taher, a Muslim, will also another reason. It was here break too is just for a snack cyclists--with Indian The two are Taher S. Mad- visit Makkah to perform that they were nabbed by Consu)1'General Tal- of a sip of water. Sometimes, raswalla and Shreyanskumar Umrah. head-hunters. Taher and Jain ma Ahmad (right) they lose some time in repair- C. Jain who are currently in Taher and Jain, both child- almost lost their heads literal- ing a puncture or so. "We are and Sanjiv Arora, Riyadh as part of a world consul information hood friends, have so far ly, but for the intervention of fully equipped to meet con- tour program on bicycles. (left), on their arrival . spent $23,000 on their trip. an influential member of the tingencies," they said. at the Indian Consu- Their tour, which has Though they both left India primitive tribe. "Had it not And where do they get all late General premises already taken them to Kenya, with a mere $1,000 each, they been for him, our world tour this stamina? in Jeddah on Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, received encouraging re- would have ended in "We do not eat heavy Djibouti, Iraq, Kuwait, Wednesday. sponse from individuals and Ethiopia itself," they said. meals... no vices like smoking Bahrain and North Yemen, (Pboto by K.K. Ahmad) sports clubs in the various The cyclists also had har- or drinking... and we per- began in the Indian city of countries they passed rowing experiences in other form yoga every morning reg- Ahmedabad on February 8, through. countries, like being arrested ularly." 1987. Besides the love for cycl- by cops and being robbed. And all this to spread the "It. has so far been an ing, Taher and Jain have But the encouraging - mo- message of peace. hectic but most enjoyable Indian cyclists to tour U.S., Europe 'embarked on such a trip to ments far outnumber their As Indian Ambassador trip,", they said while speak- By K.S. Ramkumar have already traveled through Tanzania, "spread the message of peace negative experiences. "For Ishrat Aziz said, "It is heart- ing to newsmen at the Indian Arab News Staff Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, North Yemen, and brotherhood around the instance, in Bahrain we were yarming to see two young Embassy here today. And the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait world." And for this they personally felicitated by (Indians devoting six years of JEDDAH, Sept. 21 — Two globe-trotting they hope to girdle the globe and Bahrain before arriving in the King- have received all encourage- Sports Minister Sheikh Isa their lives cycling around the Indian cyclists with a mission to spread the dom's capital. by 1992 when they will return ment from the governments bin Rashid Al-Khalifa. And globe in order to foster peace message of peace and brotherhood have Taher, a plastics manufacturer who made to India after having biked of the various countries they Indian Ambassador to and dmity among peoples and arrived here from Riyadh where they had an use of his stay to perform Umrah, and Jain, their way through Egypt, the have been to. They had a Bahrain-M.P.M. Menon also nations." audience with Riyadh Vice Governor Prince an accountant with a sports club who has - Sattam and called on Indian Ambassador developed a limp since he sustained a Ishrat Aziz. fracture during his childhood, said they will In both meetings, as well as with those next proceed to Cairo around Sept. 24 and with Indian expatriates, the cyclists received then on to Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and encouragement and praise for their adven- other European countries. .ture. Aziz said: "It's heartening to see two Asked what problems they encountered young Indians devoting six years of their life in the course of their journey, the cyclists, cycling around the globe in order to foster both bachelors, said except for a couple of peace and amity among the peoples and robbery cases in Ethiopia, and their brief nations." detention due to misjudgment by police They have already pedalled 17,500 kilom- while cycling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, ters since they set off from the western they had a smooth ride all along, thanks to Indian port city of Bombay 20 months ago, the cooperation extended by the Indian and hope to complete the tour after going missions and financial and moral backing through Europe and the Untied States by given by the Indian residents in different 1991-92. countries. The adventurers — Shreyanskumar C. Their Indian cycles were replaced in Jain, 29, and Taher S. Madraswalla. 26, Kuwait where the Indian communitiy gifted both of whom are childhood friends and hail them a new pair for their onward journey. from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad "Both cycles have given us good service, — told reporters at the office of Indian except for a few punctures, but our equip- Consul General Talmiz Ahmad here today ment include two spare tires and tubes," that they began their adventure on their said the youths both of whom intend to write two-wheelers from Kenya where they first books on their adventure on their return flew from Bombay on Feb. 8, 1987. and home. INDIAN Ambassador Ishrat Aziz, third from left, gives an encouraging smile to the two Indian cyclists, Taher and Jain, in Riyadh Monday, as hirst Secretary Yash K. Sinha, right, looks on. phou br «T*B tLAM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1995 VOL. 10NO. 156 WEDNESDAY MAKCH 9,198R RAJAB 20. 1408 PRICE: UAEDH. 1 BAHRAIN FILSlOOjl FINDING CONTENTMENT donation after seeing a TV news bite about his After 14 years on the road trek. - Madraswala carries an 82-kilogram load on his and 130,000 kilometres, 21-speed, $3,500 (U.S.) all-terrain bike. It was do- nated by a British Moslem leader after a $50 Indi- voyage nearing its end an one-speed (that lived up to its brand name, At las by lasting eight years) was stolen in London.". GORDON JAREMKO Calgary Herald The baggage includes, as hefty credentials for" ' his mission, telephone book-sized photo albums fter 14 years of hard labor, Taher Madraswala has no car, office, title, computer, stocks, bonds and scrapbooks of newspaper clippings. "It's so A you'll believe me." or real estate. At age 32, he only has the prize he rates most He lives on quiet cycling, friendly conversation Taher MadraswaUa and Shreyans Kumar Jain in Abu Dhabi. — GN and low-key preaching with no collection plates. photo highly — contentment. "I fulfilled my dream." he said this week. "It Sympathizers kept him going with donations was to travel the whole world and distribute my worth $130,000 (U.S.), including free accommoda: tion across Canada with Hostelling Internation-; message," by becoming a champion among bicy- (ENA) — Two young Indian cyc- Indian cyclists on al. ; cle couriers. Madraswala plans to return to India soon to lists, Shreyansttumar and Taher Sale- Grief started him rolling. A Moslem, he set out hbhpy MadraswaUa, are currently in with Hindu chum Shri Jain on a ride around In- write a book and found a movement, but not be', fore sampling a few thousand kilometres of roads global peace tour dia as a demonstration that adherents of the two Addis Abata, on a cycling expedition and fall weather in Alberta and British Col urn; faiths can get along after a mutual school friend around the world to spread the mes- By Howard Jones Hinduism, are delighted with the bia. response they have received on their : died in sectarian violence in their home Ahmed- sage of peace and universal brother- : Highways between Calgary. Edmonton. Jasper, ABU DHABT — Two Indian cyclists travels so far. abad. Banff and Vancouver will be roamed until Janu- hood. , are currently spending five days m the "I thought, I don't know — maybe tomorrow I'll capital as part of their 'round the The Indian Social Centre presented be dead too. Before 1 die. I'll do something for ary by the crusader on two wheels, who carries a Leaving India in March 1987, they them with a sum of money to help 1 sign saying "world tour on bicycle for peace -, world' cycle expedition to promote peace." have already toured Kenya and Tanza- peace and brotherhood". them on their travels, in Sana's they Desire kept Madraswala going for 120.000 kilo- make love not war — trust in God — don't worry were given a 3,000 riyals donation be happy." ' nia, visiting various towns and villages Taher Madraswalla, 25. and while in Ethiopia three military cyc- ' metres, through 30 countries and encounters g on their way by bicycle, disseminating Shreyans Kumar Jain, 28, started lists escorted them throughout the ranging from lions, jails (for passport checks), their journey from Ahmedabad, In- country. muggers and malaria to princes, governors and the message of peace, love and- uni- dia, on February S, 1987 and plan to prime ministers, including Jean Chretien. versal brotherhood. "Wherever they finish the trip in late 1950 or early After cycling through the Emirates Pointing to freshly-healed bites from a Canadi- 1991. the two will visit other Gulf countries went, they received enthusiastic wel- before they move on to Egypt and an canine, he calls aggressively territorial dogs FHEEPARKINGAT18AVE & 1 ST. S.E So far the intrepid duo. have cycled NOON TO MIDNIGHT come and handsome treatment from Europe. They will then fly to New worse than lions. over 15.000 kms. From Ahmedabad York for a rrek through the Amer- The big cats just want to be left alone unless Blackjack, Roulette. Baccarat the local people and wide approbation they cycled to New Delhi and Bom- icas. The tour will end with Asia, they are hungry. To survive close encounters, Red Dog. Sic Bo, Poker bay before they travelled to Nairobi, November 1/2 for their praiseworthy mission," accor- Australia and New Zealand. "you just stand like a statue." Clrff Bungalow - Mission Community Association where they cycled through Kenya. He rates North American leaders the friend- November 3/4 ding to the Indian Embassy here. Tanzania. Uganda and Ethiopia They hope that the brochures they Slno-Canada Culture Association spreading their message. They have distribute to people on the various liest and most accessible. He has an appointment November 6/7 Kumar and Taher, who arrived here Canadian Progress Ciub. Calgary Worth , just flown in from the Yemen Arab continents that they visil will help to meet U.S. President Bill Clinton next month. four days ego, propose to be in Ethio- ' Republic and U'ill be staying at the them spread their simple message: He calls Canada the world's most peaceful land. "A real international brotherhood pia for a fortnight touring some im- capital's India Social Centre. But good shows in surprising places, he adds, ELBOW RIVER INN would put an end to frontiers, politic- telling how a black man stopped him on a notori- 1919 Macleod Tr. S.E. portant places,-whereafter, they intend Madraswalla, a Muslim, and Jain, al, and religious rivalries, and hatred ous Detroit street to give best wishes and a cash 266-4355 to visit the Yemen Arab Republic, whose faith is Jainism. an offshoot of between nations and races." Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece before going on to Europe, the Embassy said. ESTABLISHED 1961 THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988 ZUL QA'DA 29, 1408 No. 8089 Pedalling around the world for peace TWO young Indians have been about everywhere we could." when we were crossing a thick spot we visiicd in Ir.nj ;im) the pedalling around the world since Said Kumar: "We embarked forest in Asbatafari, ^601) km people .'ire :ery happy and en- March 1987 carrying with them on an all-India tour back in 1981 away from Addis Ababa. All of joying every minute of life." the message of peace and univer- covering 26,500 km in one-and- a sudden I hey surged from a Madraswalla viid. when asked sal brotherhood a-half years. It was an adventur- bush. about the situation in Iraq wliidi The duo arrived in Kuwait ous trip and the success promp- "We offered them all our valu- is fadnc Iranian augiL'^siun ted us to take on a world trip." ables thinking thai they were after visiting Kenya, Tanzania. T\\e pnir said ihey V.-.TC sinick Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Talking to the Kuwait Times robbers. But what they wanted by the cencrositv and ImspjMljiy North Yemen, ihe United Arab yesterday Madraswalla said: were our heads In he prcsenlcd they have been experiencing sn Emirates (UAE) and Iraq. "The desire for universal peace to their wives as part of a bloody far especially from the Indian The two childhood friend slu- and brotherhood has become, it ritual. community. They will sla\ m dcnts are 25-year-old Tahcr seems, a dream. It is the desire "Had it nol been for the time- Kuwait for nhnui 20 dn\s ' Salehhhoy Madraswalla, origi- of millions of people around the ly rescue by some villagers we nally from Madras Stale and world and if we all joined hands would liave been killed," Kumar Their next slop is U.ihniin said. anI n 28-yeiir-old Shriyans Kumar together we could transform this They r' reach Saudi Arabia from Ahmedabad. dream to reality." In the early stages of the trip through the causeway. They \\ill They have been held up by The cyclists distribute pam- the pair found Ihe going tire- then pcdnl to Eaypt ami tlmn tribals in Africa, chased by wild phlets entitled "Cycling for some. start their next stage in Europe animals in various parts of East peace" and conduct lectures in "Now we are fitter than \%e wilh Greece as their first stop in Africa and crossed barren de- host countries if the rules of the have ever been and we cover KH1 thai continent. serts in the Middle East without countries permit them to do so. to 150 km a day. We try to reach enough drinking walcr. "Going by bicycle is one of the a lown or village by the end (if Bulgaria. Yugoslavia. Pol.tnd. But they have overcome all forgotten means of travel while the day and if we cannot make it Czechoslovakia and Hungary the difficulties because as Mad- cycling you see everything of the we will sleep in our tent," will he ihe olhcr stops before raswalla said "basically we are country around you, not like Kumar added. they cross to South Africa. cycling enthusiasts and adven- when you dash past in a car. But They spoke highly abnut Thi'v \\ill spend some lime in turist. it is not smooth sailing always," Kuwait's security officers who Ihe l.'mieii States before crns- "We are thinking about going said Kumar. offered (hem guidance and vn- Miii (•-• Inprtn. -\ustrnli;i. Nv-1-' £*> on some form of long trip but "In Ethiopia we were about to couragcmenl. Zc.i]:iml and finally bark to A (ENA) — Two Indian nntionals, of Ethiopia has on various occasions on a cycling tour around the world to and at various fora expressed its com- spread the message of peace and bro- mitment to the noble principles of therhood, pedoUed off yesterday from common prosperity and peace and the Ethiopian Peace, Solidarity nnd brotherhood among the peoples of the Friendship Committee ofilcc to begin world. He assured the two Indian peace thetr journey in Ethiopia. cyclists of the EPSFC's unfailing sup-- Taher S. Madroswalla, 25, and Shrt- port for the successful completion of yanskumar C- Jain, 20, started off on the team's mission, while in Ethiopia. their world expedition from their coun- Mr. Chandra Sekhor, First Secretary try in March 1987 and arrived in Ad- at the Indian Embassy, said on his dis Ababa recently after completing port that the cyclists are on a lofty and their tour in Kenya and Tanzania. laudable mission to spread the message of pence and love. He expressed appre- young Indians who paddle through continents The iwo cyclists, left here for Awas- sa yesterday and will later proceed to ciation for the cooperation and finan- I' Dire Dawa via Nazareth. They will cial assistance of the EPSFC towards then proceed to other countries. the successful discharge of the mission of the Indian youth in Ethiopia. While in Ethiopia they will be ac- § S Mr. Sekhar poiulcd out that Ethio- 'S O _J companied by cyclists Asrat Bck.de 'ousifJuwaida lists commenced spreading every minute of life. What 31- pia has been in the forefront of cham- 'Baghdad, JuneS the peace message to their more is needed [or peace?," I--S p- o and Bclachew Ayalew. 1 c * in pioning the cause of global peace and '"Almost killed by tribals in a countrymen on February 8, Shriyansadded. Comrade Lakew Woldc-Seiibet, a bloody. African ritual, chased 19S7 when they waved good- The two cyclists toured disarmament and expressed the hope representative of the EP5FC, said at by wild animals in various , bye and started pedalling. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, that Ethiopian youth — Itnowii for parts^qf East Africa, robbed'-^ Shrivans, who called at The Ethiopia, Djibouti, North the send off ceremony here yesterday their spirit of adventure — would also off all valuable possession^iri-.A Baghdad Observer otfice on Yemen and the United Arab V«3 V6 that the People's Democratic Republic set on a similar venture. one of_ the countries ; they?,*' Wednesday, said that he in- Emirates before they arrived pedalled-through and.-eras-' tends to enjoy his slay in Iraq here. sing the'-wild sandstormy de- . where he and his friend met They will leave Iraq to serts, two Indian youths on a the warm welcome and the - Kuwait, Bahrain, Snudi Ara- n. C world trek are finding a very support of everyone they •C .i-^Toift^fflsa. Pruc* cyclists at a ceremony held trt the compowid of EPSFC KENYA 3/00 TANZANIA U/00 SEYCHELLES Fts. W A H M E D A B A D - 21. ENTERTAINMENT Q NEWS QSHIPPiMQ Q COMMENT Q ^^ frggg- -~*~;jT"^'.£X V^ -_ ^, _£-_=. ^& £g,.? ^^ Kijm^'j^^^i- iH/z PRICE: FOUR SHILLINGS, KENYA 4/- WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1987 fes;«T tes-SfiM jriyjtfi? Ps¥WgRSife ^s? --issr MF- '^tiisSsi^' MOMBASA May 1-7, 1S87. TWO INDIAN students 25-year- . old Taher Salehbhai Madraswala their World tour on the Asia ! and 28-year-old Shriynas Kumar continent. from Ahrnedabad, India are in Madraswala told CoasfweeJt • Mombasa with their bicycles on that their tour will be . their peace mission around the completed in three or more/ ^ World (writes Abdulrahman years. He appealed to Coast Sheriff), people to sponsor their stay" 'n The two Indian youths Tanzania passing through The two World peace seekers Mombasa during the month of commenced spreading the Lunga Lugnga border to Tanga. will then return to Mombasa on Ramadhan. peace message to their From Tanga, they will fly to their way to Somalia and Tht: cwj Indians are childhood country men on February 8, ~ Zanzibar before going to Dar Djibouti. Later, they will visit f fiends who have decided to By Daily News Reporter.. Talking to the Daily jVwcA- in Dw "1987. Madraswala, a Muslim Es Salaam where they will Middle East and travel TO c/clw around the World to TWO Young Indians are on a cycling .es'Salaam over the weekend. Taher and Kumar, a Hindu then flew visit several Tanzania towns. Europe, America before finishing sprttid .i special peace message trip round the " orld with a special. - said: "the dc.siit fur universal peace to Nairobi where they arrived ;. message of UniversaJ peace and.- and' brotherlioud bus become, it ; on April 10. brotherhood instead of the political, seems, a dream. It is the desire of The two cyclists who called. . relit ous arid racial rivalries so uom-''X-. millions-:of. people around the world i at the Coastweek office on - mon all over the"world today.-:•-• 'J EL find i^-wcr-flll:joined,Jiandi* together Twenty-five year old Taher .Solehv<--. .uId,,..transform., this di'eam to ; Wednesday said they left ( J Nairobi on April 14 riding to hhai Madraswala and his ])uitner. " - lity". ' ' ' ' Mombasa where they arrived '- Shreyanskumar C. Jain (28), started The two cyclists have still to inur on April 17. They later .' : off from .the Indian tow.n of Ah- the Middle East... Europe, North proceeded to Malindi arriving medabad last February and have America, Fur East. Australia and there on April 22. already been through India and New Zealand on their journey which Kenya before arrivinc in Tanzania they expect will take at least three • Madraswala and Kumar are in last month. yearn to complete. Mombasa until,the end of fasting monfh of Ramadhan when they will proceed to Pedalling for peace By Daily News Reporter Talking In the Daily Ni-u-ti in Dar TWO Young Indians are on a cycling es Salaam over the weekend, Taher trip round the « orld with a special said: "the desire for universal peace message of Universal peace and and brotherhood has become, it brotherhood instead of the political, seems, a dream. It is the desire of reli^'ous and racial rivalries so com- millions of people around the world mon all over the world today. and if we all joined hands together Twenty-fiv« year old Taher Raich- we could transform this dream to hhai Madraswala nnd his purtner, reality". Shreyanskumar C Jain 128). started The two i-ydixts ha\e still to Lour off from the Indian town of Ah- the Middle East, Europe. North medabad la.nl February and have America. Fnr Ea.st, Aus,t ralla a nd already been ihniuph India and New Zealand on their journey which PFAr'e'MISSION — Indian youths Taner'Sa/ehfahai Madraswala Kenya I* Core arvivinu in Tanzania Ihpy expect will take at Irast three (with fiaf and bicycle, on right) and Shriynas Kumar (with bicycle, last month. yt-ai's lo complete. left) daring the start of their peace mission a* Ahmedbad, inaia. ADVENTURE WORLD PEACE, LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD ® ADVENTURE WORLD PEACE, LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD ^^^/^FPf^ltf^w ^'r;* ^!^SM>;iff ft&fei t p L i ?is'i diL-ti 5-t^pt I H*- fl >''-:*i'< -u'-[l-.Wi'iHV ^H H=ll-U ti 4341 'ov^MrtlVr yifl- H/r^. t' BIG AIR il Now everyone is happy, II A Snowboard comp al the Quay. 21 •• butvihenlleftlheysaid " I was tlie craziest one tn gum TIPS the family A Pole planting and powder skiing. 22 SIDELINES Peace cycle irolls on by Claire Stirling In his 15th year of tOltrinv the and N°rth America, on three differer t meeting last May with the Canadian , , ,. 3 -r. ' , , < j , bicycles, he is finally nearing the end cf prime minister. "I was so relaxed. He Burn Out 95/96 world for peace, Taker Madraswala his journey. Partly because he has been was talking with me for 20 minutes like It's better to burn out than fade Will SOOn park his bike. 'on the road for so long and part y an old friend about my journey, where away. Crab your board and head because he is strapped financially. Sou i I've been, what's my peace message. to the Quay for Burn Out 95/96 BY CLAIRE STIRLING America will have to wail. And 1 had only a three-minute snowboard competition on the SrAFFWRITER He sald m a recenl interview that h e appointment to meet the Prime weekend. planned to travel to Vancouver fro n Minister." Snowboards Unlimited and Taher Madraswala was cycling for Banff and then on to Seattle before h s Wilh 14 years of experience in Banff Mount Norquay are hosting peace long before tire slew of fund- Canadian visa was upon Dec. 28. Fro i disseminating his peace message, a two-day. Alberta Snowboard raisers started pedaling through Banff. Seattle, he will fly to New York city to Madraswala will write a book with Association-sanctioned While most people bicycle for a finish his journey with a visit wit i Australian Lara Penhale about his competition on Jan. 6 and 7. few months or even a few years, Secretary-General of the United Nation s experiences. Calgary publisher Bayeux Saturday (Jan. 6) is the viewer- Madraswala has been in the saddle for Doutros Boutros Ghali and U. . Arts Incorporated has offered triendty half-pipe competition and more than fourteen years. President Bill Clinton. Madraswala a contract, but he hasn't yet Sunday (Jan. 7) sees some speed After traveling 124,000 kilometres "I've met quite a few world leaders signed the lengthy document, as he isn't carving with the dual slalom. through 30 countries in Africa, Europe, and up to now, Jean Chretien is m ' sure that he's entirely happy wilh the The entry Fee for each event is the Middie East, Asia, the South Pacific favorite,' said Madraswala of h 525, or $40 for both. Competitors 'When I get back to India, must hold ASA membership, which can be acquired by paying a Madraswala. "I'll organize a group to $20 annual fee and filling out continue my work and I'll talk with forms available at Unlimited and people about what I've seen in the at Norquay. world. For example, I've seen many Great prizes and give-aways are Indians living peacefully in other P < countries. up for grabs. It was the religious and political conflict in India between the Muslims Viking Cup and the Hindus that inspired his journey. In the longest overtime game in 'I used to play with my Hindu the round-robin Viking Cup friends as a child, and then I suddenly hockey tournament the Czech wasn't allowed to play wilh them," he pVitfonar 1SiS*racts=lwat- out-Che- - explained. I Albcrla lurtior. Hockey League In Oct. 1981, at the age of 17, Selects with a score of 6-5. Friday's % 31 Madraswala left his family, including game was played to a double his six brothers and sisters to spread his overtime before peace message. The tournament includes teams 'Now everyone is happy, but when I from Russia, the Czech Republic, left they said I was the craziest one in Norway, Finland, the United the family/ he said about his family's States and from the host reaction to his extraordinary trip. His institution, Augustana University original plan was to ride for three years, in Camrose, which is home to although his parents only gave him the Vikings. permission to leave for six months. He hasn't been back to India since he left Bow Valley Eagles over 14 years ago. Oairt itirHngmit Banff Crag 6 Canyon "The first thing when I get back home Catch the Bow Valley Eagles Ski jumping on cross-country ikies made for jome aerodynamic flight] and is that I won't know who are my facing off against Olds in Canmore som^Je crash landings at Banff Mount Norquay on oFriday (Jan. 29). brothers or sisters because they were all tonight (Jan. 3) at 730 p.m. Small when I left. India has changed so much, too." He has lived a Spartan existence for Downhill races Jumping on skinny skis the past 14 years, surviving on BY CUIRE STIRLING (he Nordic Centre. donations from people he meets and the Downhill and Super G racers SWFWHffl . "We learned lelemarking — it's goodwill of various organizations. His will be vying for the lop spots in efforts to find a corporate sponsor, four days of racing at Skiing good for balance and coordination," Landing jumps on skinny cross- said Jean-Pierre Bohard, a five-year however, met without success until Louise, Jan. 6-9. As part of the FIS country skis took a bit of practice, as veteran of the French national nordic- Hostelling International in Canada Canadian Alpine Series, junior .54 skiers discovered at a Christmas ski combined (ski jumping and decided to supply him wilh free racers will ski in Hershey Alberta accommodation during his year-long Cup Series and Canadian Rockies camp held by the Banff Ski Runners cross-country skiing) team who las^ week (Dec. 28-30). coaches for the Jonff Ski Runners. The stay in the country. Scries. The course designers are Ethiopia, too, was generous in 1987. starling (he downhill races in a This is the name nf the game — skills learned from trying ski-jumping, crashing and bashing,' said head telemarking and slalom carry over to "Ethiopia was the best and the worst new spot, just off Olympic Chair, experience," said Madraswala. While to avoid the use of the poma lift. coach Dave MacDuff. watching one cross-country ski racing, /oiing man land a jump on his face at "ifs a real confidence builder," said touring, he and a friend were stopped The downhill will continue on by a tribe who, through sign language, the Men's Downhill. Banff Mount Norquay. While not quite MacDuff. This was evident even in the ready to launch themselves off the big first hour — as the skiers started indicated that the two men would be ump, the group had fun on some ski . landing jumps, they began to speed sacrificed in a religious ceremony. jumps near the rope tow in front of the up on the approach the next time. In After a couple of hours of Loppet olddaylodge.. ._ fact, some said that falling wasn't intermittent pleading, the loader Do you have a few hours to The three-day Christmas ski-camp what caused pain decided to let them go without spare and want to help out wilh attracted skiers aged 10 to 15 years "We get most of our bruises going slitting their throats. To make amends ihe Lake-Louise Banff LoppetT rom Banff. Canmore, Calgary, Red up [his lift," said Canmore resident for this harrowing experience, the About 50 volunteers are need to Deer and Okoloks. They spent the first Chandra Crawford, 12, pointing at the Ethiopian government then provided help build the track and help out day at the Canmore Nordic Centre ski rope tow. Madraswala with three military body on race day, Jan. 27. There is an orienteering and competing in a One of the bonus aspects of the guards and covered all of his travelling organizational meeting being held skiathlon, which included jumping, camp was the opportunity to meet expenses for (he next month that he was tonighl at 7 p.m. at the Banff cross-country skiing, slalom and an their competitors in a context where Public Library. For more obstacle course. The middle day was fun, not competition, was the focus, In the end, Madraswala's message is information, call Sharon Cosnell devoted to ski jumping and 'It's fun, you get to meet new simple in theory, yet complicated in at 762-2 16ft telemarking ..i Norquay, while the people from all over Alberta," said practice: to discourage- aggression and of world peace and pmspenly