By Preparing for an exhilarating paragliding adventure in Vagamon this Thursday is 88-year-old Philip Jose Tharappel, a farmer from Pinnakkanadu village near Kanjirappally. Soaring at heights ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, Jose will be accompanied by an experienced pilot, thanks to ‘Fly Vagamon,’ a renowned paragliding club based in the area.
Vagamon stands out as one of the country’s premier paragliding destinations, and after thorough consideration of factors, including his health, the club approved Jose’s application on Thursday. Weather permitting, his flight is scheduled for March 7.
Should Jose take to the skies on Thursday, he will earn the distinction of being Vagamon’s oldest paraglider, according to Vinil V Thomas, managing partner of Fly Vagamon, operating in the region for the past 19 years.
Despite having no prior paragliding experience, Jose initially aspired to skydive, inspired by his grandson’s tales of the adventure in Abu Dhabi. Attempts by Jose’s daughter and grandson to arrange skydiving had not materialized, leaving Jose eager for updates on the prospect. Living with his son Mathachen’s family since his wife’s passing two years ago, Jose expressed both excitement and a tinge of sadness at not being able to share the joy with departed friends. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Jose remarked, “I am thrilled about the upcoming event but saddened that I cannot share the joy with my friends as many of them are no longer alive. I have never had such a chance in my life.”
