That Acts as the Motivation for Something New
The life of Saji Valassery, a simple furniture shop owner, was deeply impacted by the 2009 Thattekkad boat tragedy that claimed many young lives, including students and teachers. Coupled with the earlier Periyar River overflow in Aluva, these events sparked a vital movement focused on swimming safety, driven by Saji’s determination to save others from similar fates. He was very upset by the thought of more kids and people drowning. Because he was determined and felt responsible, Saji scheduled swimming classes that everyone could take at no cost so that no one else would go through what his family did.
It began as something Rodger wanted to share with his kids, but then it expanded. He first taught his children how to swim in the strong currents of the Periyar. Before long, their friends came by, and then kids from the neighbourhood joined in, too. What was once a frightening place for the community slowly turned into a source of playfulness, education and hope. Saji was clear in his beliefs: he felt swimming should be something everyone knew how to do, not just some who could afford lessons. To help everyone, no matter how old or confident, feel ready in the water and safe, he planned lessons.
Creating a Community, Stroke after Stroke
By 2010, Saji Valassery’s efforts had blossomed into the Valasseril River Swimming Club. The news travelled fast that the club offered free lessons and was friendly to anyone who wanted to learn. Many children, adults, and people with disabilities have visited Periyar’s banks. Saji was different because he thought all people could learn to swim in just two weeks, and the new ideas he used made it happen. Lucy split the students into groups according to their skill: those who sat submerged were called pre-KG, those who float were LKG, and those who can kick their legs were UKG. Following the steps of the process helped new swimmers feel confident and capable, so swimming became available for all.
The team trains from November to May but stops during the monsoon because the river is too dangerous for pulling boats. Over 1,000 students join every year, and with Saji leading, all lessons are personalised for students with the support of volunteers. Applying martial arts goes beyond the practice; it focuses on overcoming your fears. Experience has taught Saji that for many, the fear of water is the main difficulty, which is why he aims to help them face it.
Helping the Differently-Abled and Removing Obstacles
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Valasseril River Swimming Club is its inclusivity. Saji has prepared thousands of people, individuals who are visually and physically impaired, for river crossing. The results his students achieve are truly impressive. For illustration, Saji helped Navaneeth, a teenage boy who is visually impaired, across the Periyar River in less than 12 minutes. A different student, Adith, with speech and hearing difficulties, successfully swam across the river in 32 minutes without any practice.
The club Saji created questions the status quo. Many women feel uncomfortable swimming because of what they wear, but Valasseril offers them complete freedom. Anyone can come and swim wearing what they like, so the pool is welcoming to all. Arifa VK’s story of swimming across the river in her hijab at the age of 67 proves how the club encourages people to be strong.
Being Strong and Protective
The impact of the Valasseril River Swimming Club is visible in numbers and stories. Ever since it started, the centre has taught more than 10,000 people to swim and watched over 2,000 kids cross the river without stopping. More and more students have successfully reached China, and various alumni have returned to assist those following them. Because Saji always has an ambulance and safety boat nearby, people who use the boat are protected as much as possible.
Saji’s lessons are not focused on getting medals or titles. They centre on rescuing people and boosting their confidence. Young children and adults alike, as his students, are often impressed by what they do. The key belief behind the club is summarised by its motto: “Everyone deserves to survive drowning.” Saji wishes to teach people across Kerala and beyond the life-saving skill of swimming.
The story of Saji Valassery and the Valasseril River Swimming Club is a shining example of how one person’s compassion can create lasting change. Because of free swimming classes, Saji has helped change sadness into joy for his community. His focus has energised thousands to overcome their fears, face challenges and influence others. The Periyar River, which used to symbolise disaster, is now known for demonstrating courage, the strength of people working together and the determination of one hero never to lose hope.
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