India Unbound
India First
Swimming across seas, climbing the world's highest peak and solving giant sums in seconds: meet more Indians who set amazing firsts and records!
Did you know?
In 1958, Mihir Sen became the first Asian to swim across the English Channel. In 1966 alone, he made five more great swims, including across the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka and along the Panama Canal!
On 23 May 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. She reached the top just one day before her 30th birthday!
In 1980, Shakuntala Devi, known as the 'Human Computer', multiplied two 13-digit numbers in her head in just 28 seconds at Imperial College London. Her feat went into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Try this: Family Firsts Timeline
Interview two family members. Ask: 'What was a big first in your life?' It could be a first train ride, a first job or the first time they saw the sea. Draw a long line on paper and mark each first with its year and a small picture. Add your own firsts too, like the first book you read all by yourself!
Go further: The 19-Year-Old Channel Swimmer
Arati Saha began competitive swimming when she was just five years old. On 29 September 1959, aged 19, she became the first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel, from France to England. The swim took her 16 hours and 20 minutes. In 1960, she became the first Indian sportswoman to receive the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. Her story shows that big dreams can start very young!