How this student uses paragliding to beat traffic so that he could make it to his exam | WATCH

Maharashtra: In a unique and daring move, a first-year student from Panchgani, Maharashtra, decided to paraglide to his exam center after learning that his exam, which was previously canceled, had been rescheduled. The December 15 incident went viral after a video surfaced showing the student paragliding to his exam center just minutes before the test began. The student, who runs a juice center at Harrison's Folly Point, realized that traveling by road would make him too late to reach the venue, prompting him to opt for the creative solution of paragliding. "I got to know about the exam change from my friends while I was at work," he explained. Knowing the urgency, he made an unconventional yet successful decision to take off from the scenic point, ensuring that he landed at the exam center just 10 minutes before the exam started. His quick thinking allowed him to attend the exam without delay.

Harsh Goenka praises creativity, sparks debate

The video of the student’s 15 km paraglide journey was shared by Harsh Goenka, a billionaire and business tycoon, who praised the student’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Goenka tweeted, "A Panchgani student paraglided 15 km to make it to his exam on time as the traffic was very high on the roads. 100 marks for creative problem-solving! #ExamHacks #OnlyInIndia." While Goenka's comment earned praise from many, it also sparked a debate online. Some users applauded the student's determination and zeal, while others criticized the risk involved. One user remarked, "Zero for risk management. I don't see myself indulging in any adventure sport in India. Not anytime soon at least."

A Panchgani student paraglided 15 km to make it to his exam on time as the traffic was very high on the roads. 100 marks for creative problem solving! #ExamHacks #OnlyInIndia pic.twitter.com/YzFYKRWnSx

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) February 17, 2025

Praise and criticism over risk management

On the other hand, another user admired the student's internal drive and positive mindset, saying, "A fire in the belly. A strong internal urge to become something. A determination to overcome hurdles and a positive mindset." However, some questioned the practicality of the decision. One user expressed concerns over the risks associated with paragliding, including potential dangers from power lines, tree cover, and stress. They added, "Lucky him. He should have started a couple of hours early instead of risking the power lines, tree cover, stress, and other hazards. 10 marks for practicality & 90 marks for attention capturing and engagement farming."

How did he land so precisely?

One question that emerged after the video went viral was how the student managed to land perfectly at his exam center. Some users wondered if the student had used Google Maps or some form of navigation system to accurately pinpoint the landing spot. "One thing I didn’t understand, was how and where he landed. Is he using Google Maps to reach the destination?" asked one curious observer. While some remain impressed by the student's creativity and resourcefulness, others have raised concerns about the risks and practicality of such a method. Regardless, the incident has captured the attention of social media users, highlighting the intersection of adventure, problem-solving, and risk-taking.