Mumbai/Bir-Billing : In a truly historic moment for
Indian adventure sports, Saesha Mangesh Raut, an 8-year-old girl from
Mumbai, Maharashtra, has become the youngest paragliding pilot in the world,
earning her a coveted place in the High Range World Records.
On May
21, 2025, Saesha accomplished an extraordinary solo paragliding flight at Bir-Billing,
one of the world’s most renowned paragliding destinations nestled in the
Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Flying at an altitude of 2,459 meters (8,068
feet) for 15 minutes, she achieved this record-breaking feat under
the watchful eyes and expert supervision of certified instructors from AntiGravity
Paragliding School.
At just 8
years, 7 months, and 17 days, Saesha’s achievement is not only a
celebration of skill and training but a remarkable story of fearlessness,
passion, and perseverance. Her journey into paragliding began at the Indus
School of Paragliding in Kamshet, Maharashtra, where she received
foundational training and successfully performed short solo flights, paving the
way for her high-altitude accomplishment in Bir-Billing.
A Streak of World Records at an Early Age
This
record is the latest in a growing list of groundbreaking achievements by
Saesha. She previously set the record as the youngest person to reach the
Mount Everest Base Camp on foot, displaying extraordinary grit and stamina.
She has also completed a 100-kilometer nonstop cycling challenge,
proving her mettle across multiple endurance-based adventure activities.
Saesha’s
diverse accomplishments in mountaineering, cycling, and now aerial sports
reflect her indomitable spirit and the immense potential of India’s young
explorers. These milestones not only highlight her exceptional physical and
mental abilities but also stand as a testament to the power of nurturing
children’s dreams through proper training and encouragement.
Applauded Nationwide
Her
achievements have caught the attention of eminent personalities, adventure
sports organizations, and educators from across the country. Saesha has been
lauded for her “high range confidence,” “daring nature,” and “limitless
potential”, with many calling her a role model for young aspirants who dare
to dream big.
She is
the daughter of Mangesh Hemant Raut, a resident of Mumbai, who has
played a key role in supporting her adventurous pursuits while ensuring safety,
discipline, and structured training through certified institutions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In a time
when children are increasingly engaged in digital spaces, Saesha’s story
reminds us of the power of physical endurance, outdoor exploration, and human
willpower. Her entry into the High Range World Records is not just a
personal achievement but a symbolic victory for youth empowerment in adventure
sports.
As Saesha
sets her sights on future challenges in sky, sea, and summit, her story is sure
to inspire countless others to step beyond boundaries and reach new
heights—literally and metaphorically.
