Chopper Ride to Education: Uttarakhand Students Defy Landslides for Exams

In a remarkable display of determination, four students studying for their B.Ed. degrees overcame significant obstacles to reach their exam center in Uttarakhand. The students, hailing from Balotra, Rajasthan, found their path to Munsiyari blocked by landslides and torrential rain. With the roads from Haldwani to Pithoragarh closed, the students sought an alternative. They arranged a helicopter to take them to RS Tolia PG College in Munsiyari. The students – Omaram Choudhary, Magaram Choudhary, Prakash Choudhary, and Lucky Choudhary – are enrolled in a distance learning B.Ed. program through Uttarakhand Open University. Their exam was scheduled for September 3rd. After learning that the road beyond Haldwani was closed, they discovered a helicopter service. They contacted Heritage Aviation, and the company responded to their urgent plea, sending a helicopter to transport them. The students successfully took their exam and returned to Haldwani by helicopter. The helicopter service cost approximately Rs 5,200 for a one-way trip per student and Rs 10,400 for the round trip. They emphasized how critical it was to take the exam. The helicopter journey contrasted dramatically with the usual 10-hour road trip. They are currently working as third-grade teachers.