You’ve probably heard of Chandro and Prakashi Tomar — the ‘Shooter Dadis’ from Johri village in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh — who made their mark on the world in old age. Now, meet Sabo Devi, a spirited grandmother from Haryana who is making waves with her rock-solid attitude at the age of 77.
Though not globally famous like the Tomar sisters, Sabo Devi is known across social media as “Rocking Dadi.” With a walking stick in one hand and unmatched swimming skills, she regularly jumps into a 15-feet-deep canal from a bridge — something most youngsters would hesitate to do. She has also swum across the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar.
Last winter, when her grandson took on an ‘ice challenge’ by lying in freezing water for hours, Sabo Devi insisted on doing the same — and even outlasted him.
🔹 4 Key Highlights of Sabo Devi’s Life
1. Born in Sitawali, Married in Hullahedi
Sabo Devi was born in Sitawali village and married at the age of 17 to Krishan, a tractor mechanic from Hullahedi, about 10 km from Sonipat. Krishan passed away in 2016. She has three sons — Subhash, Sandeep, and Manjeet — and two daughters — Santosh and Shakuntala. All are married. She currently lives with her middle son Sandeep. His son, Chirag aka Khaghar, actively shares videos of his grandmother on social media, where the duo has gained quite a following.
2. Learned to Swim in the Village Canal
The canal near her childhood village of Sitawali played a pivotal role in her life. As she bathed cattle as a child, she naturally picked up swimming. She doesn’t even recall when she became an expert swimmer — it simply came with time. Even now, she swims effortlessly and without fear, attributing it to her upbringing that emphasized self-reliance.
3. Saved Two Lives, Including Her Grandson’s
Fearless and courageous since childhood, Sabo Devi has saved two lives thanks to her swimming ability. Once, while returning from her fields, she saved a young man from drowning in the canal near Hullahedi. In 2020, at Har Ki Pauri, her elder brother-in-law’s 9-year-old grandson slipped into the Ganga and began drowning. Sabo Devi jumped in and rescued him.
4. Trained Her Grandson Chirag in Swimming
She taught Chirag to swim in the canal when he was just 8 years old. Now 14, Chirag trains with his grandmother in swimming and wrestling. Sabo Devi is in good health, has undergone cataract surgery, and still has strong teeth — enabling her to eat and enjoy any food she likes.
Takes on Every Challenge — No Matter the Season
Sabo Devi jumps into the canal even in winter. She says she enjoys bathing in natural water regardless of whether it’s summer or winter. Whenever Chirag takes his Bullet motorcycle out for a ride, she insists on accompanying him. He rides her to the canal, where both grandmother and grandson jump in together for a swim and return refreshed.
Dances to Haryanvi Songs — Especially Masoom Sharma’s Tracks
Sabo Devi doesn’t limit her energy to physical challenges. She loves dancing, especially to traditional Haryanvi songs and those by singer Masoom Sharma. She never tires while dancing. Chirag says she swims using both her arms and legs and can cover several kilometers without stopping.
A Word of Caution from ‘Rocking Dadi’
Sabo Devi stresses that she learned to swim from a very young age and is fully capable in water. She has not only swum across canals but also across the Ganga. She warns others not to imitate her blindly. Her advice
