Why did this student choose skies over roads for his exam commute?

Maharashtra: In a jaw-dropping display of quick thinking and adventure, Maharashtra’s Samarth Mahangade turned to paragliding to avoid missing his exam. Stuck in a massive jam at Pasarani Ghat with just minutes to spare, he soared through the sky with the help of adventure sports expert Govind Yewale. His dramatic arrival not only secured his test attendance but also made him an overnight sensation on social media.

A thrilling ride to the exam hall

In an extraordinary turn of events, a college student from Maharashtra’s Satara district defied all odds by paragliding to his exam centre, ensuring he didn’t miss his crucial test. Samarth Mahangade, a resident of Pasarani village in Wai taluka, found himself stuck in a massive traffic jam on the Pasarani Ghat section of the Wai-Panchgani road. With barely 15 to 20 minutes left before the exam began, his chances of making it on time seemed impossible.

ट्रैफिक जाम से बचने के लिए पैराग्लाइडिंग से एग्जाम सेंटर तक पहुचा छात्र!

महाराष्ट में समर्थ महानगाड़े नाम के छात्र ने एग्जाम सेंटर तक पहुचने के लिये गजब का जुगाड़ लगाया।

उसे अपने परीक्षा सेंटर पर पहुचने में मात्र 20 मिनट का वक्त बचा था।सड़क पर भारी ट्रैफिक था।जिसकी वजह से… pic.twitter.com/lftRmAMwhq

— Suresh Singh (@sureshsinghj) February 15, 2025

A last-minute aerial solution

Just when all hope seemed lost, Govind Yewale, an adventure sports expert from GP Adventures in Panchgani, stepped in with an unconventional but brilliant solution paragliding. Without wasting a moment, Yewale and his team set up the equipment, allowing Samarth to take off and soar over the jam-packed roads, ultimately landing near his college.

Viral sensation takes off

A video capturing Samarth’s dramatic aerial entry quickly went viral, leaving social media buzzing with admiration. Netizens were in awe of his determination and Yewale’s innovative thinking. Many hailed it as one of the most creative ways to beat traffic, while others joked about needing similar solutions for their daily commute.

While paragliding is generally seen as a thrilling recreational activity, this incident proved it could also serve as a practical mode of transport in dire situations. Experts, however, caution that such stunts should only be attempted under professional supervision and with proper safety measures.

A lesson in quick thinking

Samarth’s unique journey to his exam hall is a testament to quick thinking, adaptability, and the power of unconventional solutions. His sky-high adventure has not only ensured he sat for his exam but has also left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his story unfold.