"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#swimming

Star Citizens

The Unstoppable "Tube Master": Abdul Malik's Daily Swim to School to Reach His Students!

Abdul Malik's daily journey to school is anything but ordinary. Located in the picturesque town of Malappuram, Kerala, his school is surrounded by the serene Kadalundi river on three sides. For many, this would be an obstacle, but not for Malik. Faced with a tedious 12-kilometer road journey that took almost three hours, Malik discovered a unique solution  swimming across the river. With the help of a colleague, he began swimming in 1994 and has been doing so ever since.Swimming Against the TideMalik's daily swim is no easy feat. The river's rough waters and strong currents make it a challenging journey. During monsoons, snakes and uprooted trees floating downstream add to the risks. Yet, Malik perseveres, using a car tire tube around his waist to stay afloat while carrying his belongings above water. His dedication to teaching and his students keeps him motivated, and he finds this route to be more time-efficient and practical. Malik's unique journey has become an opportunity to teach his students valuable life skills. He believes that swimming is an essential skill, and he imparts this knowledge to his students above grade 5. Moreover, his commitment to his students serves as a powerful role model, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and hard work.Environmental ConcernsAs a staunch environmentalist, Malik is deeply concerned about the river's deteriorating condition. He often takes his students on river-cleaning missions, removing plastic and garbage from the water. This initiative not only cleans the river but also instills in his students a sense of responsibility towards the environment. While Malik's dedication to swimming to school remains unshaken, his additional responsibilities as the headmaster have forced him to take the road route for the past two years. Though this journey is longer and more tedious, Malik's commitment to his students and teaching remains unchanged.A True InspirationMalik's story is a light to  to the power of determination and dedication. His students affectionately call him "Tube Master," and his journey has become a source of inspiration for the community. His unending dedication to education and his students has inspired countless individuals. As we reflect on his journey, we are reminded that with determination and perseverance, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. 

7 May 2025
Star Citizens

The Unstoppable Spirit of Shyamala Goli: A Journey Across the Bay of Bengal

Shyamala Goli, a 52-year-old swimmer from the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, recently completed a remarkable 150 km swim across the Bay of Bengal, defying age! Starting from the shores of Visakhapatnam on December 28, 2024, she swam tirelessly for five days, averaging 30 km each day, until she reached her destination in Kakinada. This feat wasn’t just a personal triumph, but a shining example of what one can achieve when determination, grit, and passion take center stage.Her incredible journey, watched closely by the Coromandel Odyssee Ocean Swimming Organisation, was supported by a dedicated team of 14 members. This crew, which included medical professionals and scuba divers, ensured her safety and well-being as she ventured through the unforgiving waters of the Bay of Bengal.Shyamala’s journey reflects the power of resilience and the human spirit. She started her swimming journey at the age of 40. She was running an animation studio with her husband which faced immense financial challenges. The closure of her studio didn’t deter her spirit; instead, it fueled her passion for swimming. It was during this time that she joined a swimming camp, where she nurtured a love for the sport that would eventually lead her to achieve some of the most remarkable feats in open water swimming.Shyamala’s recent 150 km swim is not her only milestone. In 2021, she made waves in the open water swimming community when she became the second Indian woman to swim across the Palk Strait. Her achievement took an impressive 13 hours and 43 minutes. Later that same year, Shyamala achieved another remarkable milestone when she swam 38 km across the waters of the Lakshadweep Islands, from Kiltan Island to Kadmat Island, in 18 hours and 35 minutes. This feat made her the first Asian to achieve this double accomplishment in the same year.While Shyamala's journey is undoubtedly an awe-inspiring achievement, it was not without its challenges. As she swam through the open sea, she encountered playful dolphins and turtles, which she described as a sign of nature’s friendly presence. However, the sea can also be a dangerous place, and Shyamala encountered jellyfish and even a giant whale during her swim. Reflecting on this encounter, she shared how her crew advised her to board the boat when the whale approached. Despite whales being generally friendly, their enormous size can evoke fear, and Shyamala trusted the crew’s judgment for safety.In a heartfelt moment, she explained how the sea creatures’ playful nature provided her with a sense of companionship and comfort as she swam through the open waters. These encounters added a sense of magic to her journey, reminding her that nature has its own way of welcoming those who dare to dream big.Shyamala Goli's 150 km swim across the Bay of Bengal is an inspiration to people of all ages. Her story encourages us to challenge ourselves, take risks, and pursue our dreams no matter what obstacles may lie ahead.

8 Jan 2025
Star Citizens

Unstoppable Spirit: Limbless Teen Defies Odds, Leaves Thiruvananthapuram Awestruck with Remarkable Swimming Skills

In a remarkable feat of determination and resilience, 17-year-old Muhammad Aasim, who was born without limbs, has amazed all by swimming in a 4-ft-deep pool at Avoki Resort Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Aasim, who hails from Kozhikode, suffers from Amelia, a birth disorder in which one or more limbs are missing. Aasim's achievement goes beyond his physical limitations and serves as an inspiration to millions. His trainer, Saji Valassery, inspired him to take up swimming lessons at the age of 15, and the teen has since surpassed 90% of his physical restrictions. Aasim considers Nick Vujicic, who has tetra-amelia syndrome, his role model. He said, "If he can swim, why can't I?" The young swimmer is determined to draw attention to the lack of facilities in his school, Velimanna Government Mappila UP, and hopes to upgrade it to a high school. Aasim has set a world record in 2019 by travelling from his school to the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, a distance of over 450km, on his wheelchair in 52 days. At the event 'Unbelievable', organised by Different Art Centre in association with Avoki Resort, Aasim's achievement was applauded by everyone present, including the former leader of the Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala, who described it as amazing and extraordinary. Aasim's determination, positivity, and resilience in the face of adversity are a source of inspiration to millions worldwide. His story is a reminder that with a positive outlook and determination, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how big or small.

3 Aug 2023
Star Citizens

Positive Reads

A Tale of Courage: Brave NRI Teen's Heroic Act Saves Brother from Perilous Fate

A 14-year-old boy from New Zealand has become the youngest recipient of the prestigious Mountbatten Award after he saved his younger brother from drowning in the treacherous coastal waters of Chrystalls Beach in South Otago last year.  Kayla Gamage's brother, Kithmi, was pulled out to sea by 3-meter waves and was treading water 60 meters offshore when his brother jumped to his rescue. Despite being a good swimmer, Kithmi was unable to fight his way back to shore and was in danger of being swept away.  Kayla, aware of the danger, told his mother, "Ok Mum, I'm going out. I might not be back." He then plunged into the water and swam out to his brother, managing to bring him safely back to shore.  Kayla's bravery and quick thinking earned him the 2022 Mountbatten Award, given to a single member of the British Commonwealth each year. The award recognizes Kayla's heroic act and his presence of mind in a life-threatening situation.  Kayla hopes to start a business or become an engineer when he grows up, but his focus on improving his swimming skills earned him the recognition he deserves. His selfless act of saving his brother's life has made him an inspiration to many, and his story serves as a reminder of the power of sibling love and the importance of learning lifesaving skills.

31 Jul 2023
Positive Reads

Good News

Good News As Legendary Swimmer Stephanie Rice Plans to Train Indian Swimmers for Olympic Medals

Australian swimmer, Stephanie Rice who won three gold medals- all in world record time-in 2008 Olympics is aiming to set up her swimming academy in India to train young talented swimmers and prepare them to win medals at 2024 and 2028 Olympics. Just as P V Sindhu excelled in badminton and won laurels for her country, Rice said that she hopes to have an Indian swimmer on the podium. “My goal is to produce India’s PV Sindhu in swimming,” says Rice. The Swimming Academy The academy aims to train elite swimmers who are above 13 years of age and who are already training at a club. Rice believes that the only thing coming between Indian swimmers and an Olympic medal is world-class training which she intends to give. After her retirement in 2012, Rice has been thinking of making available the fruits of her own experience, knowledge and training, to others. Rice will set up the Stephanie Rice Swimming Academy (SRSA)  in any city that has a facility that covers the needs of the academy and is equally excited about the possibility of producing an Olympic Medallist. India Connection Rice has visited India many times and calls the country her second home. She visited India in 2016 as an expert analyst during the Rio Olympics, and in 2018 as a presenter during the Pro Kabaddi League. Once the academy is set up, Rice will personally train the athletes for 3-4 months spreading out over the whole year. She said that she would be with the athletes as often as she can as she wants to win their confidence and trust in the process of making them winners. With Rice’s swimming academy, we can hope that the problems of lack of infrastructure and professionally managed coaching programmes will be overcome and the country can produce world-class swimmers at the biggest podiums.

26 Sep 2019
Good News

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