From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 05:30 PM IST

When the spirit is keen, the body obliges. This ex-soldier is fighting different battles - one against his handicap and one for peace and brotherhood, as he cycles over 9,000 km across 18 states.

'What if I don't have an arm and a foot?' asked Prabhjit Singh, as curious onlookers gathered to have a look at the cyclist as he pedalled his way along M.G. Road in central Bangalore Wednesday.

'I am on a special mission on my cycle to spread the message of peace and brotherhood among Indians. Moreover, I also want to say to all that nothing is impossible in this world. Physical disability should not come in the way of fulfilling our dreams,' he added.

A resident of Ambala in Haryana, Singh, 41, joined the army in 1984 and was commissioned into the Jammu and amp; Kashmir Rifles. But he served in the army only for five years. He retired after an accident on the railway tracks.

On Jan 19, Singh decided to embark on his all-India bicycle tour. Starting from his hometown Ambala, the former soldier has cycled 9,546 km in 18 states of the country.

'I have cycled for 939 hours over 65 days. I take rest in various destinations and meet people, interact with them and spread my message of peace and brotherhood,' Singh said.

The gruelling journey has been a test of skills for the former soldier. However, Singh is determined to prove to the world that physical disability can never be a hurdle on the way of anybody.

Although an artificial limb takes care of his missing left foot, he cycles only with the help of his right arm.

'It's been a hard and arduous journey so far. Along with difficult terrain and weather, I am also fighting my disability. But I am headstrong and will prove to the world that a physically challenged person can also tour India in his cycle,' Singh said.

'Through my solo expedition, I also want to inspire the disabled population of the country to fulfil their dreams and they should not feel dejected because of their physical disability,' he added.

The Madras Engineering Group and Centre here felicitated the former soldier Tuesday.

'He's a bravo. He's a true soldier with an adventurous spirit, courage and inspiring message,' said Brigadier R.N. Mittal during the honouring ceremony.

According to a report titled People with Disabilities in India: From Commitments to Outcomes prepared by World Bank with ministry of social justice and empowerment, India is home to 60 million disabled people.

Out of them 48 percent are visually impaired, 28 percent are movement impaired, 14 percent are mentally disabled and 10 percent are hearing and speech impaired.

An estimate says that there are 650 million people in the world with disabilities.

Around 80 percent of people with disabilities live in developing countries, with the largest number living in Asia.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)