Why in news?
Leela Jose, a 70‑year‑old farmer from Konnathady in Kerala’s Idukki district, fulfilled her lifelong dream of skydiving from 13,000 feet in Dubai. Her story, widely covered in the media, serves as a reminder that age need not limit our ambitions.
Background and narrative
Leela was brought up in a modest family and worked as a farmer. While watching television shows about adventure sports she told her son about her desire to fly. He arranged a tandem skydive in Dubai, where she jumped from an aircraft strapped to an instructor. Despite initial fear, she trusted her training, embraced the free‑fall and experienced a sense of liberation.
Key takeaways
- Perseverance: Dreams can be realised at any age if one persists.
- Moral courage: Facing fear and stepping out of comfort zones builds character.
- Breaking stereotypes: Elderly women from rural India engaging in adventure sports challenge societal notions about gender and age.
- Relevance for UPSC aspirants: The anecdote can be used in essays or ethics answers to illustrate themes such as “Age and Ambition”, “Power of the Human Spirit” and “Breaking Stereotypes”.
Conclusion
Leela Jose’s leap of faith teaches us that courage is not a function of age or occupation. It is a mindset that allows us to pursue our passions irrespective of societal expectations.