We have seen that for most women achievers, it was always swimming against the tide to turn their challenges into opportunities and trials into triumphs. 

For Arati Saha, later on, known as Arati Gupta, the first Indian and an Asian Woman to swim across the English Channel, this was not just an idiomatic expression but she literally took swimming as a passionate sport. 

This was in the 1950s when women were mostly confined to the home and hearth. Her story of grit and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible task of crossing the English Channel is an inspiration to millions of girls across the country. 

Although she had been swimming since she was barely 4 years old, she was inspired by Brojen Das from Bangladesh who was the first Asian to conquer the English Channel in 1958 and Mihir Sen, the first Indian to achieve the feat. 

Inspite of her experience in winning various long-distance championships and long and arduous preparation, she failed in her first attempt! 

But she knew that ‘Failures are a stepping stone to success’ and she came back for a second attempt on September 29, 1959, and created history when she swam for 16 hours and 20 minutes. 

She is no longer there but her legacy continues to influence young sportswomen. Her endurance and never say die attitude must surely be imbibed by all of us to pursue our passion

Break out of your shell. Pursue your passion. 

Do you know any such women who can be featured here? Tag a women who deserves to be recognized and featured!

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