KOCHI: A visually impaired student has set a record by swimming across Periyar river in the presence of cheering crowds. Navaneeth M S, Class 8 student of SNDP Higher Secondary School, Aluva, is the first vision impaired juvenile swimmer to cross the Periyar without support of swimming appratus.
Navaneeth, who lost his eyesight at the age of four, dived into the water near Aluva Ashramam and swam through the chilling water amidst rains to reach the destination.
His coach Saji Valasherril said he finished the task in just 15 miniuts.
Speaking to Express, Sunilkumar, an acquaintance of the child, said, “We tried our level best to get his sight back.We have been providing him regular treatment on the direction of doctors,” he said. He is learning musical instruments like tabla and keyboard, and plays cricket . His achievement should encourage students with disabilities to take up similar challenges, Sunilkumar said.
Navaneeth, who was very happy after the event, said he like to take up adventures.