Saji Valasseril: the man touched by a 2009 tragedy, teaches swimming free of cost
A double-decked boat capsized in the Thekkady river of Kerala in 2009, leaving 45 tourists dead. This incident moved Saji Valasseril so much that he started to train his son and daughter to swim. He took the training to the Periyar river and ensured that his children trained themselves by swimming in the strong waters of the river.
What makes this a special story is that Saji, the humble Samaritan that he is, does not wish to get famous or win any prizes. He just wants to help people, especially the physically challenged, to cross the harsh rivers safely. Owner of a furniture business, Saji has seen plenty of boat accidents that took hundreds of lives. To prevent further tragedies, he started a swimming club with his two children and two of his friend's children. This club now trains 416 children.
The Valasseril River Swimming Club has a pool that is 30 feet. It trains children throughout the year, and adults during the months of April, March, and May. According to The News Minute, Saji said that he trains his students in such a manner that by the end of 20 days, they swim across the Periyar River with ease. The training is free, and children and disabled adults benefit the most from this coaching centre.
Navaneeth, a 16-year-old boy who lost his sight at the age of four, crossed the Periyar river in 2015, thanks to Saji's determination with his coaching. Speaking to The Hindu, Saji said,
The mission was taken up after a special training of just 12 days. He had begun to respond better to my directions and signals. There was strong current in the river in the wake of heavy showers in the catchment areas of Bhoothathankettu barrage, but he was confident enough to take up the challenge with ease.
In spite of all the challenges, Saji's club is trying to prove that learning to swim is necessary and not a difficult task to accomplish.
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