In the latest episode of his popular monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, May 31, praised a unique community-driven swimming initiative in Kerala. He mentioned how Saji Valasheril’s commitment to public service helped thousands of people acquire a life-saving skill, besides inspiring positive social change.
Addressing the 134th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the remarkable efforts of Saji Valasheril, who runs a swimming club in Aluva, Kerala, and has trained thousands of people, which includes specially-abled children.
“During these summer days, while schools are usually on vacation, I will talk about a class you all want to enrol in. Imagine a school where children, both young and old, attend, where there are no fees, no large buildings, no classrooms, and, most interestingly, classes are held in a river,” Prime Minister Modi said.
In Keralam, Saji Valasseril Ji runs a unique swimming club.#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/jEOJPPFLdw
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 31, 2026
He emphasised that the initiative was not fictional and rather a real example of social commitment. “This isn’t a story. This is a true effort. In Aluva, Kerala, Saji Valasheril runs one such swimming club. More than 15,000 people have learned to swim here. Saji ji has also taught swimming to Divyang children. Lying behind this effort, there’s a hidden pain too,” PM Modi said.
He added, “A few years ago, several students had died in a boat accident. That incident shook Saji ji deeply. He thought, if the children knew how to swim, perhaps many lives could have been saved, and that’s where his campaign began”.
Who is Saji Valasheril?
Valasseril is into furniture business and learned swimming at a very young age, The Hindu reported. His father was an expert swimmer and a soldier attached to the Madras Regiment.
For more than 15 years now, Valasseril has been running a swimming camp at an expansive bathing ghat at Desham near Aluva Manappuram in Ernakulam district.
At this camp, Valasseril gives swimming lessons for a nominal fee to people across all age groups. The motto behind this initiative is to ensure that drowning should never cut short a precious life. Usually, the camp reportedly runs between November and May every year.
As part of the training, participants are required to undergo a five-point syllabus, which includes floating, kicking, swimming with the head immersed in water, mastering breathing as well as swimming with the head lifting off the water at regular intervals to breath in, reports said.
For the safety of people, a rescue boat and ambulance always remain on standby. To take part, participants are voluntarily required to contribute a one-time fee of ₹100 for the safety arrangements.
Emphasising on the broader message behind the initiative, Prime Minister Modi said Valasheril’s journey demonstrates how determination and a genuine desire to help people can create a major long-lasting impact on society.
“Saji Valasheril’s life teaches us a great lesson. Service doesn’t require vast resources; what’s needed is a good intent and consistent effort. On the strength of these alone, the lives of thousands can be transformed,” he said.