Arati Saha was the first Indian woman to swim across
English Channel. She achieved this feat on 29 September 1959. Arati Saha
swam from Cape Gris Nez, France to Sandgate, England. She swam the 42
miles in 16 hours 20 minutes, and hoisted the flag of India at Sandgate.
For her achievement Arati Saha was awarded Padmashri in the year 1960.
Arati Saha was also the first Asian woman to swim across English
Channel. Later, Anita Sood became the fastest Asian woman to cross
English Channel.
Arati Saha was born on 24 September 1940 in Kolkata, West Bengal. Right
from her childhood, she was interested in swimming. From 1945 to 1951
she won 22 State competitions including an all-India record in 1949. She
also took part in the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. Arati Saha died of
jaundice on 23 August 1994. In 1998, Indian government issued a stamp in
her memory.
