Teacher Swims Daily for 20 Years to Educate Every Child: A True Warrior

In the quiet village of Padinjattumuri in Malappuram, Kerala, a mathematics teacher named Abdul Malik has become a symbol of Unwavering dedication. At 42, he isn’t known for just solving equations, but for the powerful lesson he lives out every single day—one of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to education.

Malik’s story may sound like something out of a movie, but it's very real. Every morning, with his books, lunch, and clothes packed carefully in a plastic bag, Malik wades into the Kadalundi River—and swims across it to get to school. His method may seem unusual, but it is born of necessity, shaped by a tireless spirit and a heart that beats for his students.

The Muslim Lower Primary School where he teaches lies just 1.5 kilometers from his home. However, due to the river that cuts across his path and the absence of a nearby bridge, reaching the school by road requires a tedious 12-kilometer journey. For a year, Malik took this exhausting route—walking a kilometer to the bus stop, catching multiple buses, and often waiting for long intervals. The commute took over three hours. It drained him physically and left little room for anything else.

Everything changed in 1994, when a fellow teacher suggested something bold: swim across. Intrigued by the simplicity and efficiency of the idea, Malik gave it a try. That moment marked the beginning of a daily routine that continues to this day.

Equipped with a tyre tube for support and a plastic bag to keep his belongings dry, Malik swims across the river—braving strong currents, rain, and even encounters with snakes and drifting tree trunks during monsoon season. This half-hour journey, though challenging, is a fraction of the time he once spent commuting by road.

“I’ve seen snakes and fish in the water, but they’re harmless,” Malik says calmly. “Even the worst monsoons haven’t stopped me. I’m a strong swimmer.” His courage and calm resolve reflect the deep-rooted sense of duty he feels towards his students.

But Malik is not just a teacher who swims—he is a mentor who leads by example. His swim to school has become more than just a commute; it’s a daily lesson in resilience and responsibility. He also actively teaches swimming to his students, especially those in higher grades, seeing it as a vital life skill. Beyond academics, he imparts values of discipline, punctuality, and environmental awareness, organizing river-cleaning drives and Inspiring in his students a respect for nature.

His humble lifestyle and unwavering dedication caught the attention of people beyond his village. A well-wisher from London once gifted him a huge fishing boat in hopes of easing his travel. But the large fishing boat proved impractical, so Malik passed it on to someone who could use it. “Swimming is easier for me,” he laughs,"

Malik’s daily river crossing has become a part of the local folklore. So punctual is he that villagers set their watches by his arrival. “Master has reached. It’s 10 o’clock now,” they say. And his students—who lovingly call him “Tube Master”—greet him with respect and admiration.

Despite the spotlight and recognition, Abdul Malik remains humble. “I don’t have big dreams,” he says. “I just want to reach school on time and return home without wasting time. My goal is to be a good role model for my students. As far as I know, they love me—and that’s enough.”

Malik's life is a profound reminder that true heroes often live among us—quietly, consistently, and courageously doing what needs to be done. His journey across the river is more than a swim; it's a testament to the power of purpose.

In a world often in search of shortcuts, Abdul Malik’s story teaches us that sometimes the longer path—taken with heart and intention—can lead to the most meaningful destinations.