Additional To Look Into
Summary: The Fearless Fighter
“The Fearless Fighter” is the real-life story of Janaki, a physically challenged girl from India who overcame her disability to swim the English Channel—a feat that requires extreme physical and mental strength.
Janaki was struck by polio at the age of two, which left her unable to use her legs. Yet, she trained herself rigorously for four years, swimming 20 kilometers upstream every day in the Arabian Sea and learning to swim for 10 continuous hours. When she applied to the English Channel Swimming Association, the officials were shocked at first but impressed with her determination, training, and certification.
Although she originally wanted to make a solo attempt, she joined a relay team due to the unavailability of a special escort boat. On 28th July 1992, Janaki achieved her dream. Despite the freezing water, salty taste, seaweed, jellyfish, and limited use of her legs, she swam for two and a half hours, showing the world that true courage lies in determination, not physical strength.
Her achievement became a shining example of overcoming obstacles with hard work, bravery, and self-reliance.
Word Meanings
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Physically challenged | Someone with a disability affecting their body or movement |
Association | A group or organization formed for a specific purpose |
Polio | A disease that can cause paralysis (loss of muscle use) |
Certificates | Official documents proving training or achievements |
Upstream | Against the flow of the water |
Beaming | Smiling with happiness or pride |
Relay team | A team in which each member takes turns to complete parts |
Determination | Strong will to achieve something |
Seaweeds | Plants that grow in the sea |
Fulfilment | Satisfaction or achievement of a goal |
Self-reliance | Ability to rely on oneself |
Obstacle | Something that blocks your path or goal |
English to Hindi
Word/Phrase | Meaning (हिंदी में अर्थ) |
Physically challenged | शारीरिक रूप से विकलांग |
Polio | पोलियो (एक रोग जिससे अंग दुर्बल हो जाते हैं) |
Certificates | प्रमाण पत्र |
Upstream | धारा के विपरीत दिशा में |
Beaming | मुस्कुराता हुआ / गर्व से चमकता चेहरा |
Relay team | रिले टीम (बारी-बारी से तैरने वाली टीम) |
Determination | दृढ़ निश्चय |
Seaweeds | समुद्री शैवाल |
Fulfilment | संतोष / उपलब्धि की भावना |
Self-reliance | आत्मनिर्भरता |
Obstacle | बाधा / रुकावट |
Comprehension Questions and Answers
- What was Janaki’s physical condition, and how did it affect her?
Ans: Janaki was affected by polio at the age of two, which made her leg muscles so weak that she could not use her legs at all.
- Why were the members of the English Channel Swimming Association surprised?
Ans: They were surprised because Janaki, a physically challenged girl from India, wanted to swim the English Channel, a task requiring full physical strength.
- What were the two conditions required to swim the Channel?
Ans: A swimmer must be able to:
- Spend ten hours continuously in water.
- Swim in the high sea without a break for a long time.
- How did Janaki prepare for the Channel swim?
Ans: She trained for four years, swimming 20 km upstream daily in the Arabian Sea and practicing to swim for 10 continuous hours.
- What challenges did Janaki face while swimming in the English Channel?
Ans: She faced freezing water, strong waves, salty water that made her feel sick, and seaweed and jellyfish sticking to her body.
- What message does Janaki’s story give us?
Ans: Her story teaches us that with hard work, courage, determination, and self-reliance, we can overcome any obstacle—even physical disabilities.