Dharmpal Gujjar, 115, oldest person of India, from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, isrunning pillar-to-post seeking special concession for free travel in Indian Railways.
For special concession, Gujjar also met Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Sunday during his visit to Chandigarh. Showing his voter ID as proof of date of birth and Pan Card, Gujjar told The Pioneer that he has seven children — three sons and four daughters and the eldest son Ishwar is 60 years old.
“As I am an illiterate and have no other source of income except agriculture, I am facing acute shortage of funds, most of the time I do not even have the money to travel”, said Gujjar.
He further added, “I requested Pawan Kumar Bansal to give me special concession in railways for free traveling, so that I can travel according to my need. However, Railway minister assured me of every possible help.”
Gujjar was here in Chandigarh on Sunday to take part in the ‘Chandigarh Running and living Marathon’ at Rock Garden.
Despite being 115 years old, Dharampal has the desire to live like a young man. He gets up at 4 am and runs four km daily. He takes part in inter-State level races for veteran in 100, 200 and 400 metre categories. Till date Gujjar has taken part in more than three dozen races at different places of the country.
About six feet tall, Dharampal has grey hair, full vision and good health. When asked about the mystery of his fitness, he said it is all about the controlled diet.
Gujjar has seen three centuries in his life. When asked about the comparison between pre-independence period and present, tears rolled down his eyes. He added that though Britishers ruled India, they gave lots of things to us.
“They were the people who invented all things. They were true rulers, however even after independence, we don’t feel proud at all”, he said.