Nagpur: After an epic victory battling the high tides of Palk Strait on Monday, Ishwari Pande, the world’s first completely blind swimmer to cross the sea between Sri Lanka and India, rode the crest of a triumphant wave on home turf, Nagpur, on Thursday. From an open jeep to a victory parade, one of the most striking images of the last lap was Ishwari Pande astride a horse. And the 17-year-old swimming champion, who fought strong currents, shifting tides and jellyfish encounters with exceptional grit, said, she could feel the warmth of home and visualise the cheerful fete and lively gala of Nagpur. Ishwari recognised known voices, flashed the victory sign and waved at them by taking their names.Her coach Sanjat Batwe, parents Kamlesh and Aruna Pande, and support members, reached Nagpur Railway Station at 6.30am, where fitness enthusiasts, swimming veterans and relatives gathered and gave her a befitting welcome. From the railway station, Ishwari reached Ashirwad Nagar in an open jeep, from where a victory march was organised by members of Shark Aquatic Club. Over 200 students of Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education (IDCPE) welcomed her with drums, colours and firecrackers at Medical College Square.Ishwari was overwhelmed. “I wanted to swim more during my expedition as I wasn’t tired. When Sir told me that I had created a world record, I was happy, but after returning home, when so many old and new voices congratulated me, I feel that my achievement is really big. This is a huge surprise for me,” Ishwari said.“Navigation proved difficult during a challenging 10km stretch, but the expertise of her coach and support staff guided her through,” noted her cousin, Rutvic Shende. He praised the team’s vigilance in managing unpredictable weather, while providing a strict nutritional regimen every 30 minutes to maintain her momentum.The excitement of college students and Ishwari’s friends was visible from Medical College Square to IDCPE as well-wishers came close to shake her hand. While Ishwari was the star of the morning, her coach Batwe too drew accolades for helping a visually impaired amateur to create a record holder.Ishwari now wants to participate in international competitions. “I will follow the guidelines of Batwe sir. He has been preparing me for international competitions and I wish to make India proud,” Ishwari said.She accepted praise with a blend of joy and humility. She expressed profound gratitude to her coach, Krida Bharti, and the Betiya Shakti Foundation, and her supporters. Despite the physical toll of the journey, she remained remarkably grounded, honouring the collective effort that empowered her to conquer. International swimmer Sukhdev Dhurve, who acted as the observer at the Palk Strait expedition, turned emotional. “I am at a loss of words. Everyone knows she can’t see and so they came close to her to convey their message,” he said.The procession saw participation from Shark Aquatic Club, IDCPE College, Tiger Group of Adventure, members of Subhedar Akhada and Krida Bharti. Prominent personalities Avinash Deoskar, former corporator Ajay Buggewar, Sharada Naidu, Prakash Nikam, Shashank Bokare and others were present.
