The globe-trotting idea occurred to De in 1990 after he joined the SOS and wrote to the UN defining the purpose of his mission. Prior to that, he was a trekking guide to foreign tourists in the Himalayas. Once the UN pledged diplomatic support, the itinerant in De sprang to the fore.

In 1995, he wrote to Boutros Boutros Ghali, then UN secretary-general, seeking permission and support to set off on his world tour, carrying the UN flag alongside the Tricolour.

Once he was granted visas gratis to many countries, there was no looking back. De’s mission for non-violence, anti-terrorism and the culture of peace and tolerance gained momentum once he was joined by his wife Gruso whom he met in eastern Romania and tied the knot in 2000.

The duo has walked through Africa, which was rough and often lawless, to Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Italy. And everywhere they went, De felt that India was held in high esteem while the West has been eyed with scepticism in Islamic countries after the September 11 attacks. Despite their arduous treks and language barriers, the couple has felt at home wherever they went.

Back in India after seven long years, De hopes to carry their message of peace among the youths and, if police authorities permit, to even the militant groups.

“I had met some insurgent outfits of Nagaland and Manipur in the early Nineties, but then I don’t know if they continue to function from the underground,” said De.

The couple has plans to cover many more countries, including North America, till about 2014 till such time they can hang up their boots for another calling. Then they would work with UN agencies or NGOs, always upholding their belief in peace and non-violence.