Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 8: It was a heartening sight to behold as the usually turbulent waves of Ullal Mogaveerapatna beach welcomed over 200 children accompanied by a special guest to swim and play in their bosom. The guest was none other than health minister U T Khader, who let the child in him emerge and enjoy as he took to the waves with enthusiasm and spirit.

Early morning on Friday April 8, U T Khader along with about 200 children entered the sea donned in life jackets, as part of the summer swimming camp being organized at the beach.

It was as if for a while, Khader had completely left behind the demands of political life and dived straight back into his childhood. The minister was seen splashing and playing in the water as he relived memories of the bygone days.

Khader said he used to frequent the beach in his school days, and recalled with sadness one particular drowning incident in his 8th standard when he lost a friend to the sea.

"Swimming is good for mental and physical health. People should learn swimming as it helps maintain fitness and also makes you mentally strong. It feels great to come to the beach and enjoy playing in the water after so many years. Even though I was born and brought up in Ullal, I rarely get time to come here for relaxation now," a beaming Khader said.

This rare opportunity came Khader's way thanks to 'Youngsters', a group of over 30 youths which has undertaken the swimming camp for children from surrounding areas aged between 8 and 15 years. Every morning from 6 to 8 during the course of the summer camp, around 200 children are taught to swim in the sea by over 30 trainers. Apart from teaching swimming, the camp aims to boost confidence and morale in children.

While there are many summer training camps going on in swimming pools, this is the first time that swimming is being taught amidst the sea waves. All necessary safety precautions, like provision of life jackets, have been taken. Moreover, U T Khader who was all praise for the organizers, distributed life jackets and eyeglasses to the trainees to encourage them. The camp will go on till May end.