On February 11th I joined Valasseril River swimming club Aluva and become the senior member of a big family. I have heard of the swimming class of Sri Saji Thomas Valasseri years back and for some other reasons was unable to enquire or get involved.
On 8th February a meeting of OISCA International at Aluva our Secretary Sri Maneesh announced about the swimming course that was going on. The class started on January 1st is for adults and it will be upto March 31st. As it is summer vacation from 1st April onwards students are to be admitted in the swimming class for two months likely to be extended depending on the onset of South West monsoon. Coming to know about the course a spark come into my mind and thought why can’t I go and learn swimming? After the meeting on the way back to our home I shared my wish with my husband and he immediately agreed. The way to go! Joined the class on February 11th Monday. The classes are from 5am to 8.30am. At 5am the participants shall come and clean the swimming area at Periyar River bank east of Maha Deva Temple under the supervision of Saji Sir and provide all the arrangements for different groups from beginners to the on goers of all the levels from kindergarten to Postgraduate sessions. After that early mornings at the twilight our master will give a relevant introduction followed by a fifteen minutes warmup and a long whistling for all to go to their respective sessions.
Since a last decade Sri Saji Thomas our favourite swimming master is involved in this great activity of teaching swimming to all age groups with an intention that everyone skilled in swimming and ready to save those who are in accident of drowning. The highlight is that no fees are charged for the course. The mission is that those who successfully completing the course have to cross the Periyar River. He had tutored blind and handicapped kids and adults to swim and cross the river. It is a fascinating experience in Wednesdays and Saturdays early morning to watch the participants, who successfully completed the postgraduate course, crossing the river along with our master and back sharing their experiences to their family members and the rest of the learners on the bank. A real motivation ❤️
A little flashback dear friends 😍
I was born in Bandar Seri Begawan, erst while Seria in Borneo where we lived close to Pacific Ocean. All weekends we children were allowed to play in the ocean under the supervision of our parents. We were playing and enjoying but don’t know why I didn’t learn swimming. At the age of ten back in our village we were not allowed to go to swim or bathe in river or the near by temple ponds. Especially very strict for daughters. In our area that is in South Paravur we were not having any ponds in our land surrounding our home. But I remember I was courageous to go and play in water when ever I got a chance. I had the opportunity to enjoy the beaches of Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Bay of Bengal, Caribbean and Arabian Sea. Maybe because of the nostalgia I jump into the water and go upto the level of my chin. That’s it. Never ever I was able to dip my head in water or get immersed. My husband, children and friends had inspired me but no way I cannot. We got a family friendship at East Desom near Periyar River bank. Our children learned swimming at Desom Kadavu under their supervision. I used to enjoy being in the water and bathe only by pouring water on head with my hands. Years were passing, our children went abroad and during our visit to stay with them I really felt I am handicapped. I was only able to walk in the swimming pool when my grandkids are swimming.
Maybe my husband also wished to see me swimming and get immersed in the water. There comes the chance. I started. Interruptions were there like running nose, allergies, cold, blocked nose, ear infection, sore throat, muscle pain. Had antibiotics, advised rest so took break, even though was in a strong determination to go upto 31st March and see the results. I am sure the flow in the river helped me to gain more confidence. I concluded the course on March 31st with our backwaters trip to Alapuzha along with our swimming family. We enjoyed the trip very much with our new family. I know very well I am not at all a swimmer. I am not even the half way I believe. But I am so happy. You know what? I can swim in our children’s pool. Now we are on a visit to USA. I enjoyed swimming in the pools and in water adventure park Corpus Christi. Now enjoying swimming in our neighbourhood pool.Yes of course I can jump into the water like a superman, float in the water, swim and row short distances without fear. The happiest thing is that I can get immersed in water for a count of sixty.
Salutations to our great master Sri Saji Thomas Valasseri 🙏🙏
Thank you all my colleagues for your care and support.
Thank you so much Saji Sir and Jiji Saji.
God Bless you all and your family!
Special thanks to my beloved for being with me on the bank of Periyar with honest support.
I really wish Saji Sir would be awarded Padmasree for his selfless service to the society❤️❤️
Halloween is considered as a powerful turning point in the wheel of the year signifying the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Halloween is the time when people release and let go of the negative and low energies that hold them back and celebrate the new energy that will eventually take its place. Children and parents dressed up and parade from house to house in the neighbourhood calling out trick or treat hoping to have their bags filled with candy. Back home the sorting of candies session is so interesting. Grandma got a big share from both of them which they don’t like. The good thing is that chocolates were removed from their collection and gifted to grandma. I enjoyed the parade of the kids at our door to get their treat. One more time enjoyed the Halloween celebrations hoping to join in another one. Hope makes us dream and dream comes true. 
