She's Haryana's 'fitness queen' at 77. Who's 'Desi Dadi'?

Time of India

a day ago

In an age where digital screens dominate attention and processed meals have become the norm, a 77-year-old woman from rural Haryana is quietly proving that age is no barrier to vitality. Known affectionately as 'Desi Dadi,'
Sabo Devi
has turned into an unlikely yet powerful inspiration for people across generations, thanks to her exceptional fitness, routine discipline, and grounded lifestyle. According to a report by
News18,
her growing popularity on social media reflects the admiration she has earned not just from her local community but from people all over the country.
Lifelong Commitment Born in a Canal
Sabo Devi's journey towards robust health didn't begin in a gym or follow any modern fitness fads. At just 10 years old, she learned how to swim in a village canal—what began as a childhood leisure activity transformed over time into a daily ritual. More than six decades later, this same practice continues to shape her daily life. Rising early before dawn, she still plunges into the water for her morning swim, followed by an intensive physical exercise routine, all carried out with poise and contentment.
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While many individuals her age face physical limitations, Sabo Devi remains exceptionally active. She performs squats, swims regularly, and maintains an energy level that motivates even the younger generation. Her presence itself challenges societal expectations of what old age should look like.
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Though she never sought fame, her story reached the wider public when her grandson, Chirag, shared a video of her swimming and exercising. The footage quickly went viral, receiving thousands of views and heartfelt comments from netizens who hailed her as a source of inspiration and strength. What began as a quiet routine in a rural setting suddenly evolved into a nationwide wave of admiration for this elderly fitness enthusiast.
Heroic Feats Beyond Fitness
Sabo Devi's impact doesn't end at personal health. Her past is dotted with moments of courage and resilience. She once swam across the revered Ganga River, an accomplishment even many athletes would find difficult. More remarkably, she has rescued three individuals from drowning—acts that have further solidified her status as a local legend.
She often emphasizes the importance of
traditional Indian living
, attributing modern health problems to lifestyle shifts. In her view, simple, natural foods like ghee, mustard oil, and fresh greens are keys to true well-being.
'Desi ghee, mustard oil, fresh green vegetables, and pure wheat—this is the real
healthy lifestyle
," she told News 18.
Dadi's clean eating habits and active lifestyle have led to the locals hailing her as Haryana's "fitness queen."
Her life embodies those values, making her not only a symbol of fitness but also of cultural wisdom and bravery.