70 and still flying high: Idukki woman skydives from 13,000 feet

At the age of 70, defying both gravity and convention, Leela Jose, a farmer from Konnathady, a sleepy village in Idukki, leapt from a plane soaring 13,000 feet above the ground in Dubai.

Her breathtaking skydive is a story of courage, adventure, and inspiration. It was a dream she had nurtured for years, which became a reality when she visited her son in Dubai recently. There, Leela experienced the jump of a lifetime with excitement, curiosity, and just a hint of fear.

“When watching skydiving videos on television, I always wanted to do it. I shared my wish with a few friends and relatives, but they mocked it. Afterwards, I did not mention to any one, but it always lingered in my mind,” says Leela.

Recently, she visited her son, Balu, and daughter-in-law, Lintu, in Dubai, which paved a path to fulfil her ambition. “Skydiving came up during a conversation. When I enquired about it, my son wanted to know whether I wished to do it and I said yes,” she says. “I said I would do it if an opportunity came up. My daughter-in-law too was in full support,” Leela recalls with a smile.

“Balu immediately called an adventure tourism agency, and within three hours, they approved my application. The next morning, my son and I arrived at the venue. I, along with four youngsters, and the team boarded a 15-seater flight to go skydiving. It was a wonderful experience. I never thought a woman of 70 would be able to do this,” says Leela.

“Living in Idukki inspired my adventurous spirit,” she says. “I took part in the event without any practice. I had watched many videos, but had no clue on how to do it.”

Leela’s dreams does not end here. She is even ready to travel to space if she gets an opportunity. “My next ambition is to participate in scuba diving,” she says, continuing to dream.