Adventure in the desert

Magan Bissa: A keen mountaineer and paraglider

Magan Bissa from Bikaner in Rajasthan is a well-known adventurer and has been doing mountaineering and parasailing. He mastered the basics of snow skiing and water skiing at Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg, in 1983 and learnt skydiving from the Indian Sky Diving Federation, Agra, in 1982. Bissa was also the Liaison Officer with the Spanish and Japanese Expedition to Mt Bathartoli, and was a member of the Japanese rescue-cum-search team to Mt Nandakhat in 1981. He was instrumental in coordinating and conducting the adventure sports festival in the Hadoti region on a number of occasions. At present, Bissa is Chairperson of the Rajasthan Adventure Foundation and Director of the National Adventure Foundation (Rajasthan and Gujarat Chapter). This adventurer talks to Moushumi Sen about his daring ventures.

It all started in 1978 when I was doing my Masters. I could learn about the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute through the NCC and later did the basic course there. I was strongly built and interested in sports. The same year I did an advanced course in mountaineering and went all out for it. I slowly learnt about other adventure activities like trekking, skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, hang-gliding, etc. Since then I have been actively involved in such sports extravaganza. My wife Sushma is also an adventure enthusiast and has recently climbed the Karakoram pass with the well-known Bachendri Pal.

While undertaking an adventure, every moment is memorable. Actually, on one occasion I had attempted to scale the Everest three times. The majestic Mount Everest is a challenge for anyone. The first time in 1984 I had to sacrifice my oxygen to a critical member, just 300 metres away from the Everest. The second time was in 1985 and the third time was in 1992.

In the second expedition in 1985 I had a near fatal fall due to a strong snow blizzard and came down 700 feet from 28,000 feet. I later met with a road accident in 1990 and received multiple fractures. I had no hope of making a comeback but with sheer willpower got back to mountaineering and climbed the famous Nanda Devi in 1991 as part of the Indo-Russian expedition (I was the only Indian). I had overcome all my sorrows and pain of the accident. I can never forget that moment.

Well, Rajasthan is a natural tourist destination for the visitor and has a wide variety of options to choose from. Sports and tourism are also thoroughly integrated in this culturally rich state. This region with lush green jungles, vast stretches of forests and wildlife, sprawling rocks, the majestic ravines has always attracted adventurers. Ballooning, which requires open space, has a lot of scope in the desert area. Chambal and its adjoining areas are good for trekking, rafting, kayaking, boating, etc. People have started taking interest in adventure sports. The Hadoti Festival in Kota-Bundi, adventure sports in Jaisalmer, Bikaner and other places in Rajasthan include para-motor show, trekking, parasailing, ballooning, water sports and other attractive events.

I think basically one should be mentally tough and well prepared. The physical preparedness comes automatically. If you are physically fit and have good reflexes, it is an advantage. One should not panic and remain alert always.

I like parasailing. I guide people, especially youngsters, in parasailing and other techniques. The student wears the parasailing gear with the parachute and helmet. He/she is tied to a strong rope which is attached to the jeep that I drive. Slowly I gather momentum and the person takes off and starts floating in air. I constantly manoeuvre the process and ensure safe parasailing. A little precaution while landing is needed. Parasailing is thrilling.