Ms. Jiya Rai, daughter of Madan Rai, Master Chief-at-Arms II, completed a 21 km solo swimming feat from Belapur to Gateway of India in 04 h and 04 min on 26 February 2023. The event was dedicated to the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” initiative of the Government of India and was conducted under the aegis of the Swimming Association of Maharashtra (recognized by Swimming Federation of India). The Indian Navy (WNC) provided support by clearing the swimming route and the National Cadet Corps played a key role in mentoring Ms. Jiya Rai to achieve her dream. The swim commenced at the Belapur jetty at 0507 h on 26 February 2023 and culminated at Gateway of India at 0911 h. Swimming in dark hours is tough for any swimmer, but Jiya’s determination and hard work overcame all odds. She was felicitated by Maj Gen YP Khanduri, ADG NCC, on 28 February 2023 at NCC Directorate, Mumbai. Ms. Jiya Rai is a 14-year-old victim of autism spectrum disorder. In end December 2022, she participated in the world’s longest open water sea swimming relay over a distance of 1,100 Km. She was the youngest and only female participant of the team. She is also the recipient of many international and national awards including the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2022, Shriver-Kennedy Student Achievement Award 2023 (USA), State Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disability-21 (Uttar Pradesh) as Role Model, and Stree Samman Award-21 of Maharashtra.
