The well-known Indian skydiver Shital Mahajan created history, making billions of people proud. She became the first female to ever jump off a helicopter from 21,500 feet in front of Mount Everest. She accomplished skydiving on the front side of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak. Mahajan claimed that she had spent many years getting ready for this achievement that has set a new world record.
Shital Mahajan Skydives At Mount Everest
Shital Mahajan, 41, holds multiple skydiving records and is the fourth highest Indian civilian award, Padma Shri recipient too.
She made the greatest jump of her life, leaping from 21,500 feet in front of Mount Everest to 17,444 feet (5,317 meters) at Kala Patthar, which is the highest altitude landing ever made by a woman. Mahajan made the highest altitude landing by a woman skydiver. This is in addition to the two national records she has achieved. One for the highest altitude skydiving landing performed by a woman and the other for being the first Indian woman to skydive in front of Mount Everest at Kala Patthar.
In the Everest region, Mahajan has completed an incredible string of high-altitude skydives. Along with Skydiving legend camerawomen Wendy Elizabeth Smith and Nadia Solovyeva, Ms. Mahajan set a national record for the highest flag skydiving landing by a woman on November 12 when she completed an 8,000-foot jump at Syangboche airfield.
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: India Recorded An All-Time Attendance Of 1.25 Million Spectators
A Four Day Trek To Everest
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Mahajan found it difficult to stick to the task’s budget, but with financial assistance from the Reliance Foundation, she only spent 20% of the total. After arriving in Nepal, she set out on a four-day hike to reach Mount Everest.
She said that there is a three-pole challenge worldwide. She was the first woman to do a free-fall leap in both the North and South Poles in 2004 and 2006. The third pole is Mount Everest, and she has been planning to attempt it since December 2022.
Mahajan was protecting herself from the bone-chilling temperature by donning four layers of clothing, two hand gloves, spectacles, and other safety gear.
An Interaction With Minister For Civil Aviation
Union Civil Aviation & Steel Minister Sh @JM_Scindia lauded @SkydiverShital accomplishments and said, “It is a delight to see an Indian hold so many national and international records. Last year, we announced the National Air Sports Policy to promote Air Sports in India. I feel a… pic.twitter.com/d2jikoJ373
— Office Of JM Scindia (@Officejmscindia) November 21, 2023
Shital Mahajan also hopes to lead an Indian squad in several categories and compete in the 2025 World Air Games. She’s getting ready to cross her next frontier—space. During a candid Instagram live session with Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia, Mahajan revealed that she is in talks with ISRO to conduct a “Made in India” space diving effort.
Mahajan stated that since so many males have tried space diving, there should be no reason why a woman couldn’t.
Mahajan’s achievements were praised by Civil Aviation Minister Scindia, who also remarked that it is wonderful to see an Indian, particularly a woman, hold so many national and international records.
Mahajan added, “Dreams do come true if you want to achieve anything,” in an attempt to encourage young people to participate in air sports.
Also Read: Watch: Indian Skydiver In US Uniquely Wishes PM Modi On His B’day; Netizens Are Amazed
We congratulate Shital Mahajan on this amazing achievement.
Cover Image Courtesy: @shitalmahajan/FB
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