Maharashtra Student Paraglides to Exam Venue in a Race Against Time
3 min read
In an extraordinary turn of events, a student from Maharashtra’s Pasarani village in Wai taluka has captured the attention of social media users after a video of him paragliding to his exam venue went viral. With mere minutes left for his exam to begin and the clock ticking down, Samarth Mahangade took the unusual but daring decision to soar above the traffic, ensuring he wouldn’t miss his exam despite being caught in a time crunch.
The Race Against Time
On the day of his exam, Mahangade found himself running errands in Panchgani, unaware of the ticking clock. With only 15-20 minutes to spare, he was left with little choice but to think outside the box. Confronted by the possibility of being stuck in the notorious traffic of the Wai-Panchgani road, especially the congested Pasarani Ghat section, Mahangade chose a solution that most would consider unconventional.
Instead of sitting idle or searching for alternate routes through the clogged roads, he opted for paragliding—a decision that would get him to his exam venue without the stress of traffic delays.
The Flight That Went Viral
The heart-stopping moment was captured on video, showing Mahangade, with his college bag secured to his side, gliding gracefully through the sky, his parachute open, as he made his way to the exam center. This daring act, carried out with full paragliding gear, caught the imagination of viewers everywhere, blending adventure with academic dedication.
Watch the video below:
The Helping Hand
The solution came from an unexpected quarter—Govind Yewale, an adventure sports expert from GP Adventures in Panchgani, took the lead in arranging the paragliding logistics for Mahangade. Yewale and his team swiftly put together the necessary equipment and support, allowing Mahangade to safely take off, soar over the traffic, and make his way to his destination with time to spare.
In a statement, Yewale explained that such creative solutions could be essential in emergencies, though he emphasized the importance of professional preparation and safety measures when undertaking adventure sports.
A Safe Landing
Despite the initial adrenaline rush and the excitement of using a paraglider as a form of transportation, Mahangade made a safe landing near his college, ensuring that he was able to sit for his exam without delay. His unconventional method of reaching the venue not only solved his logistical dilemma but also made headlines for his determination and creativity in overcoming obstacles.
The Rising Concern Over Paragliding Accidents
While Mahangade’s story has captured hearts for its ingenuity, it also highlights the growing concerns surrounding paragliding in India. Recent reports have indicated an uptick in paragliding accidents. A tragic incident occurred last month in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu, where a tourist from Tamil Nadu lost his life and a pilot sustained serious injuries after their paraglider collided mid-air with another. The accident occurred at the Gadsa paragliding site, which had already been flagged for violations in January 2023, leading to a temporary ban on the sport at that location.
Similarly, in North Goa’s Querim, a fatal accident took the lives of a 27-year-old tourist from Maharashtra and a 26-year-old pilot. Both victims succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital.
While Mahangade’s story has been one of success, it serves as a reminder of the need for heightened safety protocols in adventure sports, particularly paragliding, to prevent mishaps and ensure the well-being of participants.
Conclusion
Samarth Mahangade’s decision to paraglide to his exam is a testament to the power of quick thinking and the increasing potential of adventure sports in solving everyday problems. His ingenuity and the swift assistance of professionals from the adventure sports community allowed him to overcome a significant hurdle. However, his story also brings to light the importance of safety and awareness in the growing world of adventure activities, which continue to captivate the public’s imagination.
Follow India Prime Times for more news and analysis on the latest happenings across the nation.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times.
