Every day for over 20 years, a Kerala teacher showed up to the school on time, not because he took the bus or drove a flashy car, but by swimming across a river.
Abdul Malik, dubbed the “Tube Master”, has swum across the Kadalundi River each morning to get to the Muslim Lower Primary School in Padinjattumuri, Mallapuram.
The devout mathematics teacher has a daily commute of about 15–20 minutes each side.
Malik uses a rubber tube, which has earned him his nickname, for the journey to and back from the school.
According to Project Nightfall, the teacher carries his clothes, books, and lunch in a sealed plastic bag that he holds above the water’s surface for the swim.
“After reaching the other side, he dries off, changes behind a rock, and walks the remaining distance to the Muslim Lower Primary School where he teaches. He repeats the same routine in reverse when the school day ends,” reads the article.
“Over the years, Malik has dealt with strong currents, heavy monsoon rains, and even the occasional snake or floating debris. But he has never let fear or discomfort stop him.”
The teacher has a clear purpose, and that is to show up for his students, no matter what. Even after all these years and challenges, the river could never come between him and being there for his students.
But why swim?
Back in 1994, his only other choice was to take three buses and travel 12 kilometres, all for a three-hour commute one way.
Years of persuasion by locals failed to talk him out of swimming, even boats. Malik says taking a boat is inefficient and impractical, given the river’s fluctuating water levels.
It wasn’t until he became principal that the teacher started taking the longer route again, even so only occasionally.
