16-YO Autistic Boy From Chennai Swims Across Palk Strait In 11 hours and 52 minutes

A 16-year-old boy from Chennai has managed to achieve the unthinkable - swimming across the Palk Strait, from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in a matter of hours! 

This was no mean feat for Haresh Barath Mohan, especially since he suffers from autism spectrum disorder. 

Who is Haresh Barath Mohan and How did he take to swimming 

Haresh Barath Mohan is from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai who was diagnosed with autism when he was one and a half years old. 

Haresh Barath Mohan/ FB

One of the activities recommended for autistic children to streamline their hyperactivity is swimming. 

Haresh loved the water even as a child and used to spend a lot of time swimming. However, he could not participate in any swimming competition since he could not understand the concept of a competition. 

But recognising his stamina, his mother Nirmala Devi and father Barath Mohan decided to train him for long hours of swimming. 

What happened on 'The Day' 

Asia Book of Records had posted four days ago that Haresh Barath Mohan would be attempting a record-breaking non-stop swim across the challenging Palk Strait from Thalaimanar (Sri Lanka) to Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram (India) on Oct 7, 2023. 

Haresh began the swimming expedition at 11.37pm from Talaimannar and reached Dhanushkodi at 11.29am on Saturday. 

He took 11 hours and 52 minutes to cross the stretch. 

Haresh swam across the Palk Strait in 11 hours and 52 minutes/ BCCL

His mother Nirmala Devi said they thought the sea would be calmer, but it turned out to be windy. The wind led Haresh to complete the expedition in almost 12 hours, though Haresh's family thought he would compete it in seven to eight hours. 

Haresh swam non-stop except for short breaks in between to hydrate himself with tender coconut water. 

He received a certificate from Asia Book of Records for the feat. 

Asia Book of Records/ FB

He is the second child in the autism spectrum to cross the Palk Strait in recent years. Before him, 13-year-old Jiya Rai had completed the stretch in March 2022. 

What is autism spectrum disorder? 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. 

They may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.  

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.