Aarti Saha was famous as 'Indian Mermaid', she had raised the flag of India by crossing the English Channel

New Delhi, September 23 (IANS). Aarti Saha, the world's first female swimmer to cross the English Channel, is famous as 'Hindustani Mermaid'. Aarti is no less than an inspiration for swimmers. She was born on September 24, 1940 in an ordinary middle-class family. Tuesday (September 24) is her 84th birth anniversary.

From bringing glory to the country by crossing the English Channel to being awarded the Padma Shri, she set a new example of courage and dedication. The early phase of Aarti's life was very difficult. She lost her mother at a very young age.

Aarti was raised by her grandmother. She loved her father very much and was very close to him. Her father was also a swimmer. When he saw Aarti swimming for the first time, he understood that his daughter had all the qualities to become a good swimmer.

Then what, he enrolled Aarti in a nearby swimming school and from here Aarti's journey of becoming an 'Indian Mermaid' began. Her swimming talent was honed by coach Sachin Nag. It is said that Sachin Nag has played a big role behind Aarti's success.

Aarti made a national record in 100 meter breaststroke in the year 1951. Then she kept winning continuously at the state and national level. By 1951, she had won 22 medals in her name. In 1952, she was just 12 years old when she participated in the Olympics in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Many such big records are registered in her name.

She was the first Indian and Asian woman swimmer to swim across the English Channel. Aarti Saha achieved this feat on 29 September 1959 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1960. She was the first Indian woman athlete to receive the Padma Shri. A postage stamp was also issued in her name in 1999.

She fell very ill in 1994. She had jaundice and thus she left this world on 23 August 1994.

–IANS

AMJ/CBT