paragliding in kamshet opens up local employment

OVER the years Kamshet has become a paragliding heaven and sport lovers from across the country come there to enjoy it. This steady flow of the small paragliding family has led to a local employment for the youths who did not want to plough their fields and were dis-interested in studies.

Paragliding as such is an eight month sport, excluding monsoons. There are three companies operating in the Kamshet who teach and give joy rides (Tandem Rides). The rides are from two mountains Shelar and Tower Hill. Around these mountains are small villages whose main occupation is rice farming. Youngsters instead of joining their family tradition are now opting for paragliding by becoming trainers and pilots.

Papu Shete (22) is a school dropout he has joined Indus Paragliding four years ago said I was not good at studies and always wanted to do something else. I used to see the people flying in the air and pilots giving joy rides to people. So I asked the owners of the company whether he would train me and fortunately he agreed and after completing the courses I am now a trained pilot and am permanently employed with the company.

The role of a pilot is not limited to giving joy rides he also is involved in teaching at the base camp. Pankaj another pilot cum trainer said We permanently stay at the base. The company for which we work takes care of us. What started as a curiosity for me has now become my profession.

There are more than 10 locals employed with the training schools and their salary ranges from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000 per month. Shete said Flying in the air teaches to be self-dependent and in control of the situation. It has helped me in life my income is usually spent on the family members who now lead a better life.

Not only have the pilots who are employed earn in Kamshet. School children from around the area also do by way of packing the glider’s in the bag for the descending para-gliders. The children get min Rs 20 for each glider they pack. On an average everyday there are at least 20 paragliders enjoying in the area.

Sanjay Penduskar, owner of Indus said Local youngsters have a lot of talent. The learners feel inspired after hearing their stories on how they learnt flying.

Shete who is keen on someday participating in para-gliding competitions held in Himachal Pradesh and abroad said As of now I don’t have the competition attitude/approach but I aspire to participate in the competition, soon.