2020-09-29 Tue

Being inspired by the achievement of Mihir Sen a young Indian Girl entered the waters of the channel at the very young age of 19 years. Arati Saha – a Bengali girl led the way to many other Indian athletes.

On 29th September 1959 she swam across the English Channel when she was just five days away from her 19th birthday. Arati Saha swam from Cape Gris Nez in France to Sandgate on the English coast near Dover. She swam for 16 hours and 20 minutes and covered a distance of 67.60 kilometers becoming the First Indian as well as Asian woman to do so.

Inspired by Arati's example many other Indian and Asian swimmers have attempted endurance swimming events. This amazing woman left a mark in her respective field which was an uncharted territory for women in her time.

To commemorate the success of this young girl India Post issued an Rs.3 stamp on the day of the event i.e. on 29th September 1999. The stamp depicts the portrait of Arati Saha clad in swimming wear and Arati in action along with her name.

Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.