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Paralising
is now a fulfilling Experience for Jamshedpureans
For the Parasailing Programme conducted annually by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), the services of a professional, was always hired. Whenever the Instructor from the National Adventure Foundation Rajasthan came to Jamshedpur, many facilities (transportation/boarding and lodging) besides professional fees and train fare had to be provided. The biggest achievement of TSAF in 2003 is that it now has its own Instructor for piloting the Parasailing Programme – Mr. Rajendra Singh Pal, a Manager in TSAF. Whenever the Instructor from Rajasthan came to Jamshedpur, Mr. Pal followed his method of instruction very closely. He would, in-between, conduct parasail flights by himself under the watchful eyes of the National Expert. When fully confident about his ability, Mr. Pal sought permission to be allowed to conduct the Parasailing Programme. By now, the support staff of TSAF was also fully trained on the take-off and landing procedures. In view of his confidence and enthusiasm, Mr. R S Pal was allowed to conduct a programme by himself during March 2003. In all, 643 participants, young and old, from all walks of life took part in the 12-day programme. The youngest participant was Ankit Kumar, the seven and a half year old son of Mr. Rajesh Kumar, who took some personal risk since children only above twelve years were normally allowed to participate. The oldest was 65-year old Mr. Vijay Kumar Derhgawen, who came along with his two sons and a grandson of 9 years. There were other participants too – from Schools in Jamshedpur, Sisters of the Holy Cross, Village youth from even outside Jamshedpur, Students from the National Institute of Technology/XLRI, as well as Professors from XLRI with their families. Many Wives of employees of Tata Steel and their relatives, Nurses from the Tata Main Hospital, Groups from the local business community and other Individuals also took part. Amidst all this enthusiasm in this aerial
adventure, a small “hiccup” took place, when the message of the Air Traffic
Controller did not reach the Instructor and a parasailor was caught in strong winds.
However, this particular parasailor landed safely and desired to go up again ! Mr. Vineet
Suri took the cake – he flew 17 times !! Working in London, he was on a holiday
visiting his parents in Jamshedpur. When asked, Vineet remarked “this is so safe, the
expertise of TSAF ensures that you have a safe flight.” Many parents who had come
with their children were astounded with the exposure that the children were getting at a
tender age. They themselves were witnessing the event for the first time in their lives at
a fairly advanced age. This is a real-life example of ham jaayenge higher … aur
higher (in more ways than one) ! |
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