Google doodle honours Arati Saha, first Asian woman to swim across English Channel

Google’s latest doodle hours Arati Saha, a pioneering long-distance swimmer and Olympian from India, on her 80th birth anniversary. She became first Asian woman to cross  English Channel, swimming 42 miles from Cape Gris Nez, France to Sandgate, England on September 29, 1959. Saha said she was inspired by Indian swimmer Mihir Sen.

Arati Saha was born in Kolkata and was one of three children in Bengali family. Her incredible athletic gift appeared early in her life as she won her first gold medal at of five. By 11 years old, Saha became kwn as a swimming prodigy.

Today’s Google doodle was designed by fellow Kolkata native Lavanya Naidu. artist hopes her drawing would inspire people to ‘dream big, matter where you come from.’

Arati Saha received multiple hours in her early career, including setting a national record in 1949 and breaking Dolly Nazir's record in a 1951 West Bengal state meet. Nazir and Saha represented India toger at 1952 Olympics and were two of four women participants.

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Arati Saha's remarkable success story

After Olympics, Saha consistently practised breaststroke her best category. athlete also started participating in long-distance swim competition in Ganges. She congratulated Bangladeshi swimmer Brojen Das after winning title of first Asian swimmer to cross English Channel in 1952.

Das recommended Arati Saha to Butlin International Cross Channel Swimming Race organizers for 1953 event. Despite immense popularity and wide support, Saha struggled to raise funds for travelling to England until n Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru, offered her support.

Arati Saha practised rigorously for six years before travelling to England for competition on 24 July 1959. However, her first event was filled with mishaps as her pilot boat was almost an hour late and she missed favourable conditions. Saha came within five miles of English coast but had to return for her own safety.

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Later in September, Arati Saha made her second attempt at crossing English Channel. She swam for an astonishing 16 hours and 20 minutes, covering 42 miles. Saha hoisted flag of India upon reaching English shores,=.

After her historic victory, she married her long-time manr, Dr Arun Gupta, in same year. In 1960, she was awarded Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian hours. Department of Posts created a post stamp to hour Saha in 1999. Google doodle artist Lavanya Naidu was keen on collecting stamps as a kid in ‘90s and recalls her excitement at seeing her hometown hero on a stamp.

Arati Saha had one daughter, Archana, and worked for railways through her adult life. She passed away on August 4, 1994.

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