Rtd. Lt. Col. Sohan Roy poses with other participants of the Northeast Riders Meet at Bara Basti, Kohima
Keren R. Rose
Kohima | December 7
The Fourth North East Riders Meet has brought with it one of India’s oldest rider, Lt. Col Sohan Roy who is 64 years of age, retired from the Kumaon Regiment. Even with a nagging knee problem which requires surgery he spends his time pursuing his passion- riding bikes.
He informs that this is his third trip to Nagaland, he has ridden to Mon, Tuensang and proudly says that he has been privileged to witness two editions of the Naga Idol in Mokokchung. Last year he made the trip with his friend from Delhi who was too scared to come to Nagaland alone!
Sohan Roy has his name in the Limca Book of Records (2009) for being the oldest person who rode to Khardungla La, Ladakh. This place often considered as a pilgrimage for all bikers has the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 ft. Roy fondly says that he made this dream ride on a Pulsar 220 with his son for company. He has now made three trips and looks forward to the day when someone will break his record, “Records are made to be broken”, he says with a smile.
In 2010 he paid homage to the 1962 war of India with China in Ladakh (Chushul sector) better known as the Battle of Rezangla. In this one man mission, he carried a scroll and recounted the battle to willing listeners.
The Battle of Rezangla is one of the bloodiest battles fought in India, where each man stood to the last, infact, the dead bodies could be recovered only after four months as each brave soldier lay in his snowy grave still clutching guns; with bullet riddled bodies that were testimony to the horrific battle fought.
Sohan Roy is also member of Royal Enfield Riders Association of Meghalaya based in Shillong. The Enfield which he rides this Hornbill is a Classic 500cc which has been loaned to him by a fan in Jorhat. “The Enfield is a one man bike, it is your lover and you don’t loan it out. I am riding to Jorhat after this meet to say thank you”, he says.
This NERM, Roy, is riding with the Arunachal Bullet Club who offered him their official jacket. Sohan Roy says that more riders should make a trip to Nagaland to learn about the beautiful culture. “If you come once, you will keep coming, this place is beautiful”, he adds.
