'Truly exhilarating': Tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat experiences tandem skydiving
Narnaul (Haryana), Jul 13: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday strapped up adventure gears and took part in tandem skydiving in Haryana's Narnaul and said he foresaw a "bright future" for India in the aero-sports tourism area.
The occasion was World Skydiving Day and the minister also flagged off an aircraft that will be used for skydiving, said to be the first such aircraft in the country.
Early morning, Shekhawat, 56, reached the Narnaul airstrip to experience the thrill in the sky. He was accompanied by his two daughters on the occasion.
Soon after touching down post the tandem skydiving activity, the Union minister shared his experience with mediapersons.
In tandem skydiving, a professional skydiver accompanies the person taking part in it during the whole exercise.
"This day is surely an adventurous day for me, and for the entire world it is an important day in the field of aero-sports, when they are celebrating World Skydiving Day for the first time. In this field, skydiving facility has started at Narnaul (airstrip) here in India and I took part in a jump here today," Shekhawat said.
"I feel thrilled and side by side can foresee a bright future for India in the tourism sector and in aero-sports segment starting from today," he told reporters here.
The Tourism Minister said interest towards adventure sports has grown world over and many Indians in large numbers go to different countries, such as the UAE (Dubai), Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, to enjoy these aero-sports and skydiving.
"After starting this facility in India, people will get an opportunity to take part in an adventurous exercise, and it will also be an important step in the direction of boosting tourism in he country," he added.
He said a very wonderful and amazing future of aero-sports was beckoning, and added that the Centre will work with state government and private partners engaging in this field to further promote it in different places in the country.
Later, the minister also shared a few pictures and videos in a series of post on X on his experience at Narnaul that was organised by a private entity.
"Today on World Skydiving Day, I too enjoyed its unique thrill. Its facility has started on private level in Narnaul, Haryana. I am happy that the tourism sector in India is getting equipped with world-class facilities. We invite tourists with open arms from the ground to the sky," he wrote on X.
"Truly exhilarating! On the occasion of World Skydiving Day, had the pleasure of flagging off the new skydiving aircraft and taking a tandem skydive this morning at Skyhigh—India’s only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul Airstrip, Haryana. For new and adventurous Bharat, the skies too are no limit," he wrote in another post.
दिन विशेष: स्काई डाइविंग का रोमांच। pic.twitter.com/iGoaQLDeyL
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) July 13, 2024
आज विश्व स्काई डाइविंग दिवस पर मैंने भी इसके अनोखे रोमांच का लुत्फ़ लिया। नारनौल, हरियाणा में इसकी सुविधा निजी स्तर पर प्रारंभ हुई है।
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) July 13, 2024
मुझे प्रसन्नता है कि भारत में पर्यटन का क्षेत्र विश्वस्तरीय सुविधाओं से लब्ध होता जा रहा है। हम ज़मीन से आसमान तक बांहें फैलाकर पर्यटकों को… pic.twitter.com/m4ExqC9cKE
Truly exhilarating!
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) July 13, 2024
On the occasion of World Skydiving Day, had the pleasure of flagging off the new skydiving aircraft and taking a tandem skydive this morning at Skyhigh—India’s only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul Airstrip, Haryana.
For new and adventurous Bharat,… pic.twitter.com/0Clb8iykw4
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Siddaramaiah declines participation in event linked to RSS amid controversy
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a statement clarifying that he will not participate in the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava, organized by the Bharat Vikas Sangam, following criticism over his name being listed on the event’s invitation card.
In his statement, Siddaramaiah said, “I have noticed my name printed on the inauguration invitation of the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam. I have not received any official invitation for this event. After reviewing the background details of the organization, I have decided not to participate.”
The Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava is scheduled to take place in Sedam, Kalaburagi, from January 29 to February 6, 2025. The event, organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam, a group reportedly linked to RSS ideologue K.N. Govindacharya, has faced criticism for allegedly promoting Hindutva ideology under the guise of Indian cultural preservation.
The controversy began when the colorful invitation card for the event listed Siddaramaiah as the chief guest for the inauguration, alongside other Congress ministers and MPs. Critics, including writer and activist Shivsundar, called the event a platform for promoting an exclusive Hindu Brahmanical culture, equating it with Indian culture.
The invitation’s content further fueled the controversy, stating, “Hinduism is the lifeblood of our country... Our ancestors built temples and ashrams that united society. This event aims to counter cracks in this foundation by promoting a spiritual outlook.”
Shivsundar termed the Congress leaders' inclusion as a "constitutional betrayal" and urged the government to withdraw its association with the event. In addition to Siddaramaiah, the invitation had listed other prominent Congress leaders, including:
- Minister Priyank Kharge as chief guest for the inaugural session on January 29.
- Minister M.C. Sudhakar for an education-themed program on January 30.
- Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy for a session on February 1.
- Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur and MP Tukaram for sessions later in the week.
Responding to the uproar, Priyank Kharge denied receiving any official invitation, stating, “Our names have simply been added without our consent.” However, critics questioned how such listings were made without prior approval.
The event has also drawn participation from BJP leaders, Maharashtra government representatives, Telangana Congress members, and central government officials, including ISRO’s chairman.
