Students of AHA experience adventure of parasailing in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 28: Around 40 students of Air Hostess Academy (AHA) had gathered at the Sainik School parade ground on Sunday to parasail as part of their training programme.

Organised in collaboration with the National Adventure Foundation (NAF)-Orissa, this training forms part of their curriculum. Director of NAF, Rabindra Kumar Bhuyan, acquainted the students with the basics and importance of undergoing such training.

Aspiring airhostess, 19-year-old Jayashree Padhi felt adrenaline rushing through her body during her maiden experience of parasailing. “I felt like a bird, sailing through the clouds and feeling the cool morning breeze brush against my skin. Initially, I had butterflies in my stomach, but once I was up in air, I was literally in high spirits. It was an amazing experience,” she said.

“Be it an airhostess or flight steward, the most significant thing about parasailing lessons is that they help you conquer your fears and equip you to deal with emergency situations,” Bhuyan told the students.

Attached to a specially designed parachute (parasail), each student (parascender) was towed behind a jeep. As the vehicle gathered speed and pulled ahead, the parasail opened up, launching the parascender into the air.

Every face wore a proud smile after the session, which lasted for almost three hours. “I have a lot of interest in adventure sports and flying was something I have always dreamt about. Even though most of us sustained minor bruises, it was great fun. Parasailing has boosted my confidence,” said Nakul Yadav, another student.

Colonel Dilip Routray, director of AHA, said adventure sports such as parasailing not only builds confidence, but also instils a sense of camaraderie among the students. “These co-curricular activities are very important for the overall grooming and to prepare students for a competitive market.

“Although the aviation sector was hard hit by the economic slowdown, things are now looking up. Our academy is also training students in areas of hospitality and tourism,” said Routray.