Flying high at 80: India's oldest woman skydives on birthday; says 'fulfilled her childhood wish'

NEW DELHI: Dr Shraddha Chauhan, an 80-year-old woman, has made history as India’s oldest woman to perform a tandem skydive. She celebrated her 80th birthday by doing something that many would think twice before attempting.She was accompanied by her son, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, a decorated soldier, mountaineer, horseman, skydiver and Chief Instructor at Skyhigh India.Despite suffering from vertigo, cervical spondylitis and prolapsed spinal discs, she jumped from a height of 10,000 feet.The video was shared on Instagram by the official handle of Skyhigh India and has garnered over 126K views. It begins with the title card: “Meet the oldest woman to Skydive in India. She's 80.”The post was captioned: “A mother. A milestone. A moment that soared. Courage knows no age. Love has no altitude.”The video shows Brigadier Shekhawat introducing his mother, saying: “She is turning 80 years. And today I have the good fortune and honor of jumping with my mother.”Planting a kiss on her son’s cheek as he wished her happy birthday, Dr Chauhan appeared calm and unafraid.Expressing how she had dreamed of flying since childhood, she shared her pride at fulfilling this wish with her son's help: “Tamanna jo bachpan mein thi ki hum bhi akash mein ude jaise hawai jahaz udd raha hai woh humare bete ke dwara icchaa poori ho rahi hai, bohot proud moment hai,” she said. (The wish I had since childhood to fly in the sky like an airplane is being fulfilled by my son. It is a very proud moment.)Holding her son's hand as they boarded the aircraft, she showed no fear and was excited throughout the adventure. Equipped with all necessary gear, they soared through the sky and made a safe landing with the parachute.After landing, she was congratulated on her achievement and received birthday wishes via what appeared to be a video call. She then cut a cake as the video ended with the caption: “Because courage knows no age. Happy Birthday Iron Lady.”The video has received heartfelt comments from viewers. One user wrote: “What a dream come true moment... Sir, you and your mother both are an inspiration for many generations. Happy birthday to ma’am.”Another commented: “Wow… how amazing and inspiring is this. More power to you!”Brigadier Shekhawat also thanked viewers for their warm wishes, saying: “Many thanks to all for such love, affection, and good wishes. Once I reach home, I will make my mother read all the messages as she is not on Instagram. Once again, thank you all.”