Agartala, March 1, 2025: “If there is a will, there is a way,”—this saying finds its true embodiment in the remarkable effort of 25-year-old Diptanu Barman, a resident of Tripura’s Poangbari in Melaghar under Sepahijala district.

Despite financial constraints, the son of daily wage laborer Manik Barman has built a helicopter with his own hands, hoping to make it airborne soon.

Diptanu, a graduate, had dreams of becoming an engineer, but economic hardships forced him to join his father in labor work. However, his passion for aviation never faded. “One day, the idea struck me—why not make my own helicopter? I have being trying for last four years and execution work began seven months back” Diptanu told reporters.

Determined to turn his dream into reality, he began saving money from his earnings and gradually started assembling the machine at home.

After months of hard work, the helicopter now has its propellers and engine installed, with only a few technical refinements remaining. “I have done most of the work. In a few days, I will complete the remaining parts and conduct a trial flight,” he shared. However, he also acknowledged the financial hurdles in completing the project. “If the government provided some support, I could finish the work much faster,” he added.

His endeavor has created a buzz in the region, with locals flocking to his home to catch a glimpse of the homemade aircraft. The excitement is palpable, as residents eagerly await the moment when Diptanu’s helicopter will take its first flight—possibly marking a historic achievement for Tripura.