'Living Your Dreams Requires Courage, Not Sight': Visually Impaired Individuals Soar Through Paragliding Experience

Krishna Dawadi
Published 2023 Aug 01 Tuesday

Kaski: Sunita Dawadi's heart overflowed with happiness as she landed on the banks of Phewa Lake after her exhilarating paragliding flight. For the visually impaired telephone operator at Tribhuvan International Airport, it was a dream come true. Sunita, a member of 'Blind Rocks,' an organization supporting visually impaired individuals, had always longed to soar through the sky on a paraglider.

On Monday afternoon, Sunita found it challenging to put her paragliding experience into words. It was her first time paragliding, and the thrill and excitement were beyond description. She was not alone in this adventure; a total of 10 visually impaired individuals, including two foreigners, experienced the joy of paragliding in the skies of Pokhara.

The 'Blind Rocks' organization orchestrated this opportunity, providing visually impaired individuals the chance to participate in this daring sport. While not everyone may be ready for paragliding, it demands courage, and these differently-abled individuals fearlessly embraced the adventure. Many of them had their first taste of paragliding, an experience they had never imagined before.

Shristi KC, the founding chair of Blind Rocks, had already paraglided once before and was instrumental in advocating for paragliding to be inclusive for visually impaired people. The message of 'inclusive paragliding' is clear: physical disabilities or visual impairments should never limit one's ability to expand their horizons. The journey taught them that success is possible, despite any physical constraints, and dreams can be chased with passion, courage, and confidence.

The paragliding pilot, Ram Gautam, felt honored to take visually impaired individuals on their maiden flight. In contrast to his usual clients who can observe and enjoy the scenery, Ram took on the responsibility of describing every moment to his visually impaired passengers. Through his descriptions, they could fully experience the joy and beauty of the flight.

The moments spent amidst the clouds were indescribable for the participants. The feeling of being so close to the clouds filled them with a unique sense of energy and enthusiasm. This paragliding experience proved that chasing dreams in life requires more than just relying on sight; it demands passion and determination.

The paragliding expedition was a testament to the boundless potential and spirit of individuals with visual impairments. Their courage and enthusiasm throughout the adventure trip left a lasting impression on all involved, showcasing the power of inclusive tourism. With initiatives like these, the skies of possibilities are limitless for everyone, regardless of physical limitations.



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