Autistic Girl Swims to Gateway of India in 8 hours
A 12-year-old girl with autism created a record by successfully swimming across the Arabian Sea from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India in Mumbai.
A 12-year-old girl from Maharashtra named Jiya Rai has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Jiya is the daughter of naval sailor Madan Rai. ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects people at a young age and continues for all of their lifetimes. One of its impacts is the impairment of communication and cognitive skills. On 17th Feb 2021, Jiya successfully swam across the Arabian Sea from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India in Mumbai. She covered a distance of 36 km in 8 hours and 40 minutes. She is now the first girl with ASD to achieve this and has created a world record.
By doing this she became an inspiration to persons with disabilities across the world. Videos have been going viral on the internet with many praising Jia for her efforts. Rai was felicitated by the President of Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association Zarir N. Baliwala. Last year in February, she set a record by becoming the youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 km from Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves. Rai swam in order to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
