Whatever they want to do or say, fight or demonstrate, let them do it. I have seen life and I have seen many a government and many an election as well. And, I am going to vote. I shall defend my right to vote till the last breath – four centenarians silently but strongly convey the message.
As the nation was gearing up to celebrate ‘The Constitution Day’ on November 26, four centenarians were caught in cameras.
As they came out of different polling booths under Sepahijala District in Tripura after exercising their much cherished democratic rights on the day of Urban Civic Body polls in the State on November 25, they also happily talked with media persons.
Undeterred at the allegations and counter-allegations hurled against each other by the contesting parties, these four centenarians cast their votes silently and smartly.
With frail bodies but high in spirit, they probed the value of casting votes.
Meet Manorama Das, a 107-year old woman. She is unable to stand straight but that did not prevent her from visiting her booth and cast her vote in Rajghat under Melaghar Municipal Council.
With a big smile, she proudly flashes her finger showing ‘ink mark’ after casting the vote.
Anil Chandra Das is another centenarian – 103 years old and the junior most among the four.
He needs little help from others while walking. Draped in a shawl, he strode out of polling booth at Thakurmura under Sonamura Nagar Panchayat.
Anamika Das – the 107 year old woman is unable to walk. However, one of her relatives carried her to the booth at Hakurmura under Sonamura Nagar Panchayat. Visibly uncomfortable owing to her health, Anamika Das wore a satisfying look after casting her vote.
Jasoda Barman – she is 105 years old – but love it to pose for a click. With pale, coarse and wrinkled skin, Jasoda Barman raises her hand and finger marked with the ‘Vote ink’.
All of them have something to tell – a living history who spent their playful teenage and young-hood under British Raj.
They also bore the pain and burden of partition. They witnessed the emergence of democracy and its evolution.
Methods of voting also saw massive changes over time – from ballot papers to EVM and the VVPAT.
It is truly a journey that travelled from colonialism to democracy and after independence witnessed different democratically elected governments in the State as well as the country.
Their grit, determination and commitment to preserve and nurture the democracy will inspire younger generation to look up with a pride.
