Overlanding Bengali Couple in Uzbekistan: An extraordinary overland journey from England to Kolkata has brought a Bengali couple face to face with history in the most unexpected way. Prabir and Sanjukta Mitra, who set out on a mission to raise awareness about diabetes across 20 countries, found themselves lost in the deserts of Uzbekistan. But what could have been a setback turned into a profound cultural encounter—one that connected them to the legacy of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and to the living memories of Central Asia’s past.
Overlanding Bengali Couple in Uzbekistan: The Couple Behind the Expedition
Prabir Mitra, a practicing diabetologist in King’s Lynn (UK), and his wife Sanjukta, a mathematics teacher, are not ordinary travellers. They are passionate overlanders who transformed their Toyota Hilux pickup, named “Chetak” after Maharana Pratap’s legendary horse, into a road companion for their 27,000-kilometre odyssey.
Their expedition, supported by Rotary Clubs of King’s Lynn and Calcutta Metro City, is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness about diabetes—a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in South Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 77 million Indians currently live with diabetes, and projections suggest this number will rise sharply by 2045. The Mitras believe awareness and lifestyle change can make a difference, and they carry that message across borders.
Off-Track in Uzbekistan: From Qizil Qala to a Remote Village
Their original plan in Uzbekistan was to visit the Qizil Qala fortress, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site located in Karakalpakstan. This ancient citadel, part of the “Forts of Ancient Khorezm,” once stood guard along Silk Route trade networks. (UNESCO Silk Roads)
However, due to a navigational error, they drifted more than 430 kilometres off course and ended up in an unmarked village. Instead of panic, what awaited them was warmth. The villagers welcomed them as if they were long-lost relatives.
What struck the couple most was that the locals referred to them as visitors from “the land of Babur.” Uzbekistan is Babur’s birthplace, and his memory is deeply woven into local culture. For the villagers, the couple’s Indian identity connected directly to the empire Babur established centuries ago.
Babur’s Historical Resonance
Babur (1483–1530), born in Andijan, Uzbekistan, is remembered not just as a conqueror but also as a poet, gardener, and memoirist. His autobiographical account, the Baburnama, provides rich descriptions of Central Asia and India. Today, Uzbekistan celebrates Babur as part of its national heritage. Sites in Andijan, Samarkand, and other cities honour his contributions. (Uzbekistan Tourism)
For the Mitras, the encounter was layered with irony. Their vehicle bore the name “Chetak”—a symbol of Maharana Pratap’s defiance against the Mughal emperor Akbar, Babur’s grandson. Yet here they were, greeted warmly as descendants of a land shaped by Babur’s dynasty.
This meeting of past and present underlines how history continues to influence modern identities across borders.
Human Connections on the Silk Road
The Silk Road has always been more than a trade route—it was a corridor of culture, ideas, and exchanges. By venturing off-route, the Mitras stumbled into a living extension of that tradition. Villagers who had never met them treated them with respect, hospitality, and curiosity.
The couple shared meals, stories, and laughter. For Sanjukta, it was humbling: “We were lost, but it never felt that way. Instead, we were found—in history, in kindness, in unexpected hospitality.”
This moment reflects the enduring spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God), a cultural philosophy shared across Asia.
The Challenges They Faced
Their journey has been punctuated with difficulties:
- Natural Disasters: Near Kodari, along the Nepal-Tibet border, a massive landslide cut off their planned return route. The couple had to leave their beloved “Chetak” behind and return to Kolkata via Kathmandu and Delhi. The road closure highlights the unpredictable dangers of Himalayan terrain. (Government of Nepal – Department of Roads)
- Border Crossings: Overland expeditions require extensive paperwork, from carnet documents for vehicles to multiple visas. Each crossing tests patience and endurance.
- Health Risks: Driving thousands of kilometres across deserts, mountains, and remote highways requires careful management of health, diet, and fitness. Their diabetes awareness campaign resonates all the more because they live through the very conditions where lifestyle and health challenges intersect.
Diabetes Awareness Through Overlanding
By embedding their health mission into travel, the Mitras have created a model that combines adventure, education, and advocacy. At each stop, they engage with communities—sometimes in Rotary meetings, sometimes informally in marketplaces or schools.
Their message: diabetes is preventable with early detection, active living, and mindful diet. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), South Asia remains one of the most vulnerable regions, with millions undiagnosed. By sharing information face-to-face, they bring awareness where it is most needed.
Cultural Symbolism of “Chetak”
Naming their vehicle “Chetak” added an intriguing layer of symbolism. Chetak was the horse of Maharana Pratap, remembered for bravery in the Battle of Haldighati (1576) against the Mughal emperor Akbar’s forces. The car thus carried the legacy of resistance while the couple themselves were embraced because of Mughal connections.
It is a reminder that history is not linear. Identities cross, merge, and sometimes contradict. The Mitras’ journey is a living example of how travel exposes these intersections.
Looking Forward
Although forced to temporarily abandon their vehicle, the Mitras plan to return to Nepal to retrieve Chetak once roads reopen. Their expedition is unfinished, but their spirit remains strong.
They hope to complete the journey back to Kolkata with their car, closing the loop of a transcontinental expedition that unites history, health, and human connection.
Why This Story Matters
The tale of Prabir and Sanjukta is not just about travel. It is about:
- Resilience: Facing setbacks with positivity.
- Connection: Discovering shared heritage across continents.
- Awareness: Using adventure to spread crucial health education.
- Serendipity: Embracing the unplanned as part of the journey’s meaning.
As globalization accelerates, stories like theirs remind us that borders divide but histories unite.
External References for Context
- World Health Organization – Diabetes
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
- UNESCO – Silk Roads Programme
- Uzbekistan Official Tourism Portal
- Government of Nepal – Department of Roads
Conclusion
When Prabir and Sanjukta Mitra set out on their journey, they expected adventure, hardship, and discovery. But in Uzbekistan, they found something deeper—proof that history is alive in the hearts of ordinary people, and that the legacy of Babur still links Central Asia to India.
Their wrong turn became the right path, showing that sometimes the most meaningful destinations are the ones we never planned to reach.
