PM’s words in Mann Ki Baat an encouragement for my team: Swimming coach Saji Valassery

Kochi: Saji Valassery had just returned after swimming across Periyar River when he heard the news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciating him for the voluntary services he gives as a swimming trainer. He led a group of 300 in the 5-65 age group, including women and children, across the river on Sunday morning as part of a six-month training season from Nov 1 to May 31.

Referring to a swimming club run by Valassery at Aluva during his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said more than 15,000 people, including children with special needs have learnt swimming at the club.

“Saji ji has also taught swimming to divyang children. Lying behind this effort, there is a hidden pain too,” he said.

The training season, which starts every Nov, draws swimmers from other districts as well. What takes place here is not merely coaching as those learning to swim are also required to assist fellow learners in training, thereby becoming part of a community. Parents of children with special needs have acknowledged the significant changes observed in their children after attending training here, Valassery said.

“The mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great encouragement and pleasure not just for me but for the entire team at Valassery River Swimming Club which imparts free swimming training. We expect this support and encouragement will take our message to another level. Our motto is that nobody should drown just because they are unable to swim,” Valassery said.

The crossing of the 1km stretch on the Periyar at Aluva on Sunday saw all participants turn up in matching coloured uniforms. It was held in the presence of prominent figures from political, social and cultural spheres. A total of 3,620 people completed the free-swimming training in the 17th season. On a single day, 912 people attended coaching.

BJP district president M A Brahmaraj flagged off the event and on its completion at Manappuram Desham Kadavu, mimicry artists Saju Kodiyan and Binu Adimali, Keezhmaad panchayat president Saju Mathai, ward councillor Hijaz P M and former panchayat president A V Sunil received them.