Vaikom: Twin sisters, just five years old, have achieved a remarkable feat by swimming across the mighty Vembanad Lake. Naivedya and Niharika, daughters of Kulasekharapuram residents P Harish, an SBI employee, and Anu, have been passionate about swimming since they were infants. The twins, currently studying in UKG at Velloor Bhavans Bala Mandir, conquered the waves of Vembanad Lake with the goal of setting a world record. Hundreds of spectators, including their teachers, friends, classmates, and parents, gathered at Vaikom Beach to cheer them on.

The sisters began their swim at Cherthala Kumbel Kadavu at 7:17 am and covered a distance of nine kilometres, reaching Vaikom Beach by 9:05 am. They began their training at the Udayanapuram temple pond under retired fire station officer T Shaji Kumar, and later trained with Biju Thankappan, a coach at the Dolphin Aquatic Club. Before taking on the vast waters of Vembanad Lake, they also swam in the Muvattupuzha Lake.

The felicitation ceremony was inaugurated by Municipal Chairperson Preetha Rajesh on the banks of the lake. The event was presided over by Vice Chairperson PT Sibash. Other speakers included Maravanthuruth Panchayat President P Preethi, singer V Devanand, Vaikom DySP TB Vijayan, and VT Prathapan.