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This story is more cinematic than a movie. When you hear it, the question arises in everyone’s mind, is this true? Can people really overcome all obstacles and move forward just because of love? Can they leave India and travel to Sweden just by relying on a bicycle?

The hero of this story is an Indian. His name is Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia. He was born in 1949 in Angul district of Odisha. Growing up in a poor family, Mahanandia loved to draw since childhood. But he belonged to the Dalit community, so he often had to face discrimination in school and neighborhood. When he returned home injured and in pain, his mother would only give him hope. She would look at his hand and say that his son was destined to have a beautiful woman from a distant country, with whom all the troubles of life would disappear if he married her.

Many years have passed since then. Pradyumna studied at the College of Art in Delhi, and earned a living by drawing portraits of people in just ten minutes sitting in Connaught Place in the capital. His drawing skills were so good that he became popular in a short time. In December 1975, a young Swedish woman, Charlotte von Schedwin, came to India on a visit and came to Connaught Place.

He went to Mahanandiya to paint his portrait. Charlotte was so impressed at the first meeting that she kept coming back. And from there, love blossomed. The love train moved forward rapidly. They got married in Mahanandiya’s own village in Odisha according to tribal customs.

But life is not a dream. All the responsibilities were waiting for both of them. Pradyumna had to finish his studies, Charlotte had to return to her family. For the next year, only letters were the bridge between their love. Finally, in January 1977, Mahanandia sold everything he owned and bought a second-hand bicycle. Then he started the long journey to Sweden.

He crossed several countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey, one after another, on his bicycle. Along the way, he would arrange food, lodging, and money by painting faces. After several months of arduous journey, Mahanandia reached Sweden and reunited with Charlotte.

There, their new life began. They gave birth to two children. Pradyumna became known as an established artist in Sweden. Books have been written and documentaries have been made about their love story.