I’m Badari Duddupudi, a passionate cross-country pilot and long-time volunteer with PAI. Over the past 13 years, I’ve flown extensively across India and abroad, and served PAI in various roles—volunteer, MC member, and Vice President. My biggest contribution is the Flying Stories YouTube channel, which I run purely to educate and inspire the paragliding community. As a President I am committed to bring honest, transparent, and progressive leadership at a time when our sport is evolving. I believe in giving back and building a strong, connected flying community through mentorship, events, and open dialogue.

I began my paragliding journey in 2017 with Indus Paragliding. Since then, I’ve logged over 500 flying hours, including several 100+ km cross-country flights at sites like Kamshet, Panchgani, Bir, Oludeniz (Turkey), and Tekeli (Kazakhstan). I’ve also actively participated in XC competitions in India and abroad, fueling my passion for the sport. With 21 years of corporate experience across global MNCs, I bring strong administrative and leadership skills to PAI. My vision is to help position India as a premier airsports hub and support the growth of top-tier competition pilots.

With 13 years of paragliding experience, I’ve learned that the true joy of flying comes from skill, discipline, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. Every takeoff is a responsibility—earned through careful pre-flight checks, sound judgment, and respect for nature. I now want to contribute to PAI by helping elevate our standards and inspiring progress across the community. My goal is to embed a strong culture of safety at the heart of every flight and every initiative. Together, let’s build a future where we not only fly farther—but fly smarter, safer, and with shared purpose.

I was the Founder President of PAI and helped establish key initiatives like the pilot rating system and the registration process for schools and members. Under my leadership, we organized flying festivals in Sikkim, Goa, and other regions, and hosted a clinic in Kamshet with Jocky Sanderson. With over 20 years of paragliding experience, I’ve flown extensively across India and abroad, including multiple 100+ km flights in Bir. I’m also a competitive sailor, having represented India in windsurfing. As the VP West I will contribute to revitalize the association through comps, workshops, and active pilot engagement.

I began my paragliding journey under Sirjee Sanjay Pendurkar at Indus Paragliding, Kamshet, and returned to Assam to promote the sport locally. Alongside fellow pilots, I’ve helped identify and develop seven flying sites across the state, building a strong base for paragliding in the Northeast. My flying includes XC achievements like Bir to Dharamshala and setting local records in Assam. I’ve trained 13 local enthusiasts, offering mentorship and free flight experiences. As a fitness coach, I bring expertise in pilot conditioning and safety. I now aim to serve as VP East to further grow paragliding both regionally and nationally.

I have 8 years of flying experience with over 1000 hours in the air. Hailing from a remote region in Uttarakhand, I’ve developed my local flying site into one of the top XC locations in the state. I’m passionate about hike-and-fly adventures and believe in promoting accessible, well-regulated paragliding. Alongside flying, I manage a hotel and café, which has strengthened my organizational and leadership skills. I see great potential in hosting a hike-and-fly competition in Uttarakhand and, through PAI, aim to contribute to policies and initiatives that support pilots and help grow the sport in meaningful ways.

I’ve been actively involved in paragliding since 2007, with over 17 years of flying and more than a decade in training and administration across schools in India. My focus has always been on pilot development, safety, and grassroots growth of the sport. I’ve contributed to key events like the 2022 Inter Services XC Championship (as scorer) and the 2023 Tehri Acro Festival (as Technical Director). With strong skills in organization and collaboration, I understand the real-world challenges faced by pilots and schools. As the VP South, I aim to support structured, inclusive, and safety-focused progress in paragliding.

I’ve been flying paragliders since 1994 and paramotors since 1998, with over 1000 hours of airtime and 7500 flights under my belt—including solo and tandem, hill, winch, trike, and backpack flights. I’ve held an APPI PPG instructor rating since 2013 and participated in major events like the Pre-World Cup (2005), Basse Ham Festival (France), and the Paramotor World Cup (2018). My night flying record was recognized by the Limca Book in 2012. As the MC Member, I will contribute to PAI by developing structured rating systems for paramotors and trikes, with a focus on pilot safety, skill enhancement, and growth of the sport.

I’m Norbu Lama, a passionate paragliding pilot and judge from Darjeeling with over 10 years of hands-on experience. I trained at Indus Paragliding, Pune, and have since been actively involved in competitions, accuracy championships, and judging — including international events like the “Cup of Pedro Tirado” in Kazakhstan. I’ve served as a Target Judge across regional events, promoting safety and fairness. I also work to boost paragliding tourism while ensuring training and tandem operations meet high standards. I’m joining the PAI Managing Committee to represent grassroots pilots and strengthen the sport’s growth, safety, and inclusivity — especially in the Northeast.

I’m a passionate solo paragliding pilot with over 25 hours of airtime at sites like Bir Billing, Kamshet, Vagamon, Panchgani, and Nandi Hills. Beyond the thrill of flying, I value the learning, friendships, and sense of community the sport offers. With a background in tech and finance, I bring a problem-solving mindset and a practical approach. Over the past year, I’ve worked to improve paragliding access in South India, particularly around Bangalore. I’m contesting for the PAI Managing Committee to support safer flying, better access, and stronger community growth — and give back to a sport that inspires me deeply.

I’ve been flying for nearly 8 years and have served two terms as a Managing Committee member with PAI, along with an additional year supporting membership management. With a strong technical background, I’ve contributed to the development of PAI’s new website and continue to assist with various digital initiatives. My experience in both flying and tech allows me to support the organization in practical, behind-the-scenes ways that help improve operations and communication. As the Managing Committee member I will continue contributing to the growth and smooth functioning of PAI and our flying community.

I’ve been flying regularly for the past three years, with experience in both cross-country and acro flying across various sites in India. Though relatively new to the sport, I’ve built a solid technical understanding through consistent flying and continuous learning. Professionally, I’m a frontend software engineer, skilled in problem-solving, planning, and team collaboration—strengths I believe can benefit PAI, especially in technical and organizational areas. As a member of Managing Committee I will contribute actively to the community, support safer and smarter flying, and bring fresh energy and ideas that blend both my flying passion and professional expertise.