When fire-crackers and bellows greeted the new year in this chilling hill city at the stroke of midnight, a group of 20 members of the Forever Young Club here jumped into the ice-cold waters of a pool, while the mercury was nearing zero degree Celsius.
Leading their way was 52-year-old Michael Syiem, who has been taking the midnight dip to welcome the new year for 12 years now.
“This (midnight swimming) is to welcome the new year from the very first second with a prayer to God for strength and wisdom to face the challenges of life,” Syiem told PTI, quivering as he came out of the waters after a 5-minute swim.
“Nowadays celebrations mean drinking and frolicking. This is a different kind of celebration, which has more to do with determination,” he said, adding such a gutsy act would help participants to take firm resolves for their futures.
No intoxicants were allowed to the participants before the event, as the organisers felt drinking would negate the objective of the event.
57-year-old Bah Keath, who was also in the group, said, “May be this is the reason why I haven’t had to check my blood pressure and sugar till date.”
Among others in the group was 10-year-old Danzeal, the state’s youngest swimmer. – PTI