Udupi: Polio-Victim Swimmer - Prakash Karvi Makes Debut in Limca Book of Records

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 16 Feb 2013: Thirty-five-year-old Prakash Karvi, a polio victim and native of Kodi Kanyana village near here has qualified for Limca Book of Records, by swimming 3.33 nautical miles (6 kilometers) in Arabian Sea by handcuffing his both hands.

 

Prakash Karvi had earlier swum from St Mary’s Island to Malpe beach, here on February 7 2011.Both these feats were included in Limca Book of Records.

 

Addressing the media persons, here on Friday February 15, Prakash Karavi said that he learnt swimming from his father and was inspired to undertake this feat. I aspire for Guinness World Record by practicing daily, said Prakash.

 

 

Prakash belongs to fisheries community and swimming is in his blood, but swimming in rough sea on just one feet and without hands is not a easy task indeed. The winds were not favourable when Prakash ventured into sea. Despite this Prakash reached the shore in 7 hours. The representatives of police force and district administration are the witnesses in this regard.

 

Prakash had also swum Hangarakatte to Malpe seashore covering a distance of 25 kilometers, Gangolli bay to Hangarakatte, a distance of 50 kilometers in the past.

 

Prakash’s mother had passed away owing to heart ailment. His father also suffers from heart ailment. He has two brothers. He has married Sunita two years ago. The family sustains living by fishing.

 

Prakash’s father Soma Karvi, advisor and Guinness World Record holder for de-husking coconut by teeth – Rajesh Prabhu, Sumadura Yuvaka Mandala president Suresh Karvi and police department employee Ashok Karvi were present at the press meet.

 

‘I discontinued studies after Class VII due to acute poverty. I find it difficult to get a job. Sustaining living by fishing is difficult. The state government has to identify my achievement in granting a job, thereby help my family to lead a modest living,’ Prakash Karvi.