Learning to Swim… Literally and Figuratively

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The summer of 2004 found me at the S.P. College swimming tank in Pune, watching my young son splash through his lessons while I sat with a pile of exam papers to correct. The poolside became my quiet corner, where the laughter of children mingled with the rustle of answer sheets. One afternoon, a thought drifted in: “I’m here every day anyway. Once report day is over, May will be free. Why don’t I learn to swim too?” I was 38. Just two months earlier, my husband had passed away. Looking back, I realize that signing up for swimming lessons wasn’t just about water—it was about life. It was one of my first conscious steps toward rebuilding myself. The First Swim Weeks later, my coach asked me to swim across the pool. “Don’t worry,” she said gently. “I’ll hold you.” We began together. She held the back of my swimsuit while we chatted about people we both knew. The conversation kept fear at bay, and I simply kept moving—stroke after stroke—until my hands finally touched the railing at the other end. Then she asked, “Where were you born?” “Bombay,” I replied. “I thought so,” she said with a smile. “The resilience shows.” At first, I was puzzled. What did my birthplace have to do with swimming? But then she revealed the truth: halfway through, she had let go. I hadn’t noticed. I had kept swimming—on my own. The Bombay Spirit Only later did I understand. She wasn’t just talking about swimming. She was pointing to something deeper—the Mumbai (Bombay) spirit. Mumbai is known for its grit, adaptability, and unstoppable work ethic. To be called a “Mumbaikar” is to be recognized for: Unshakable Focus: The ability to block out chaos and keep moving. Mental Toughness: Not cracking under pressure, even when things get intense. Spirit of Survival: That instinct to adjust, find solutions, and never stop. Hearing this from a coach—a person trained to spot determination—was more than a compliment. It reminded me that resilience had quietly become part of me. Lessons Beyond the Pool That day, I learnt two lessons. The first was that I could swim. The second was that we often underestimate our own strength. Years later, I see that the pool was teaching me far more than strokes: It’s never too late to begin something new. Healing often starts with one small decision. We are capable of far more than we believe. A good mentor knows when to support—and when to step back. Progress isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking the next stroke, even when unsure. Life quietly prepares us. Sometimes we think someone is holding us up, only to discover they’ve already let go—and we’ve been moving forward on our own. In 2004, I learnt to swim. Literally and figuratively. And perhaps, as my coach saw, I swam with the Bombay spirit. ✨ Have you ever had a moment when you discovered you were stronger than you thought? Share your story—I’d love to hear how your own spirit carried you forward.