It was January 2011 while riding from Kolkata to Jorhat (Assam) when I first met Sherap Sherpa and sensed a true rider with an admirer’s eye for anything that’s unique. Sherap has canvased his admiration in his book ‘ Road Signs of Ladakh’ which is a tapestry of images and ideas inspired by his encounters during his riding escapades from Manali to Khardung La (Ladakh). The pictures of road signs with beautiful ideation placed at different turns for a rider’s safety have been handpicked by Sherap for his book. Each message posted by the Indian Border Roads Organisation, does leave a mark in everyone’s heart and mind. I call the BRO the “UNSUNG HEROES” as they not only tirelessly construct new roads in the most impossible off-terrains, but also quietly keep opening the roads when blocked due to heavy snowfall, landslides and other natural calamities. Some of the road signs in rhyming couplets blended with a touch of humour educate the commuters on road safety. ‘Peep Peep… Don’t Sleep’ & ‘Don’t be a Gama in the Land of Lama’ are amongst my favourite road signs which very softly delivers the message for the travellers to follow road safety. I am happy that Sherap during his motorcycling adventures came upon the novel idea of collecting the pictures of the road signs and decided to share them in the form of a wonderful book. There couldn’t have been a better way to enlighten and acknowledge the efforts of the Border Roads Organization. I am honoured to have got the opportunity to write this page for the book. I hope that this book not only adds cheer for its readers but will also help develop a sense of responsibility for those travelling on the roads. The readers will certainly understand the importance of these signs and take back good learnings with every page flipped. I look forward to see his book reach and make a wider impact in hearts of many. Wishing Sherap Sherpa all the very best for this endeavour.

– Lt. Col. Sohan Roy, An avid traveller and a solo rider from India.