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Dibrugarh's Bibek Das: A YouTuber's Daring Journey Through Conflict Zones

Bibek Das, a 33-year-old YouTuber from Dibrugarh, has embarked on a daring journey through some of the world's most dangerous regions, including Afghanistan and Africa. His adventures include engaging with armed Taliban fighters and introducing them to Assam's Bihu dance. With a passion for food and culture, Das has built his audience by exploring local cuisines and sharing unique cultural experiences. His travels have taken him from India to Uzbekistan, Kenya, and Tanzania, where he met various tribes and discovered surprising connections to his homeland. However, the reality of danger struck when he experienced a bomb blast in Afghanistan, highlighting the risks of his extraordinary journey.
 

A Unique Adventure Across Continents


In a remarkable journey that spans from the tranquil streets of Dibrugarh to some of the most perilous regions in Africa and Afghanistan, 33-year-old YouTuber Bibek Das has embarked on an adventure that few would dare to undertake, let alone document.


Das stands out as possibly the first individual from Dibrugarh to explore dangerous slums and conflict-ridden areas, even engaging with armed Taliban fighters while filming his experiences. Notably, he managed to get both locals in Africa and Taliban members to participate in a Bihu dance, capturing these extraordinary moments on camera.


Driven by his love for food, culture, and travel, Das initially focused on local culinary delights. He started by uncovering hidden gems in Dibrugarh and expanded to the vibrant food scenes of Delhi and Kolkata, gradually building his audience. "Food is history now," he shared. "I aim to travel to various countries, meet diverse people and tribes, share their cultures, and learn about their lifestyles and beliefs."


His travels took him from India to Uzbekistan, then further into Africa, visiting Kenya and Tanzania, and ultimately reaching Afghanistan, a nation often linked with turmoil. However, it was not just the geographical aspect of his journey that was remarkable; it was his bravery and inquisitiveness that truly set him apart.


In Kenya, he ventured into Kibera, one of the largest slums globally, which is often deemed unsafe even for locals. "I explored Dikomba, the largest and most lively market in the country, where survival, trade, and resilience intersect," he recounted.


Das expressed his astonishment at discovering that many Kenyans were familiar with Assam and even recognized the Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. "That acknowledgment, thousands of kilometers away from home, filled me with pride. The most touching moment was when I met fellow Assamese from my hometown living in Kenya. Sharing a meal with them felt like rediscovering Assam on foreign soil," he reflected.


Tanzania offered a different experience, where he encountered the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities, and the renowned Maasai tribe, known for their enduring traditions despite modern challenges.


However, it was in Afghanistan where his journey shifted from adventurous to alarming. There, he interacted directly with armed Taliban members, sharing meals and visiting their communities, engaging in conversations that few outsiders would dare to initiate. In a surreal cultural exchange, he even introduced them to Bihu. "I never thought I would bring Assam's Bihu to such a place," Das remarked.


The reality of danger became evident on his second day in Afghanistan when a tragic bomb blast occurred nearby, resulting in the deaths of seven Chinese nationals and injuring many others. "That was the moment fear became tangible," he recalled. "The explosion happened just about 500 meters from my accommodation."