Aug 21 2008
A salute to the spirit of 100-year-old man!
Bandhu Das, 100-year-old man from Orrisa put an example for those youngsters of today’s generation who are lazy and behind the money only. The old but passionate Bandhu Das refused to take old age pension from the government saying that he is active enough to work.
Although the resident of Salijanga village in Jagatsinghpur district is poor but he denied any help from government and said he is strong enough to earn his bread and butter.
“The government should help the disabled, those in distress and the weaker sections of the society but not able persons,” says Das.
Though Bandhu Das claims that he is older than 100-year-old but official records says that he is 100. Still the activeness and firmness at this stage of life is really appreciable.
As told by the villagers he gets up at 5 each morning. After a breakfast of milk and muri (puffed rice), Das goes to the fields located over two km from the village to cut grass, feed cows and pluck betel leaves. He feeds his cattle himself. He also often involves himself in farming, said the villagers.
He is full of life and the old man used to recites folk songs and often participates in village programs also.
When the every second kid of today have to wear spectacles because of weak eyesight, Das’s eyesight is perfect at 100. “I have never used spectacles,” he said.
Das has two sons and two daughters, all married. His wife Labani is 90. She is bedridden with paralysis. He is more active and healthy than the youngsters. his daughter-in-law Lata told, “He has not suffered from any major disease and lives a healthy life.”
Das says that he is healthy and give the credit of his fitness to milk and other food products he eat.
“I am fit because I used to drink milk, and eat other milk products including ghee,” says Das.
Social activist Santosh Sahoo of neighbouring Balansa village said Das is an inspiration to people of the region. He is energetic, cheerful, enthusiastic and determined. Definitely he has put a live example for the people all over the country. This is the spirit which is a need for today’s generation. I News India salute his spirit and courage.
