Guided by desire to fulfil their duty, senior citizens don’t let weight of years dull their enthusiasm to exercise their franchise
Anup Jalota, 72, after casting his vote at Balmohan Vidyamandir. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Citizens over 100 did not let their advanced age come in the way of exercising their franchise on Thursday, when Mumbai went to the polls, setting a strong example for others with their unabating enthusiasm and commitment to democracy. Puribai H Bafna, the mother of retired BARC senior scientist Vimalchand Bafna, one such centenarian, has never missed an election, be it to a local body, legislative Assembly, or Parliament, according to the son.
Parvati Krishnan, 100, Goregaon. PIC/ADITI ALURKAR (right) Puribai H Bafna, 101, Dadar. PIC/SHIRISH VAKTANIA
Vimalchand, who was present with Puribai at the ward 200 polling station in Dadar, told mid-day, “My mother says voting is her right and she enjoys exercising it. She was hospitalised as she suffered a minor stroke a month and a half ago. She told me on Thursday that she wanted to cast her vote, so I accompanied her here today [Thursday]. I would like to thank the cops present at the booth for their help. My mother is an inspiration for all.”
Another centenarian, Parvati Krishnan, who has been residing in Mumbai since 1962, was present with her son, Ramesh Iyer, at the VIBGYOR High School polling station in ward 55. Speaking about the family’s long association with the city, Ramesh said, “We were originally residents of Pune, but after the devastating Khadakwasla dam breach, we became victims of the floods. Our parents worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives in Mumbai. We first received a MHADA house and later moved to New Shastri Nagar, Goregaon.”
Shiv Sena candidate Pushpa Koli after casting her vote at Vidyalankar College in Antop Hill. Koli lost her husband just hours after this. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
He added that the family’s deep-rooted connection with the city has shaped their strong sense of civic responsibility. “This is why we feel indebted to Mumbai and why we never miss our duty as citizens. We have always exercised our right to vote without fail,” he said.
104 not out
Jagjivan Bababhai Mistry, 104, also exercised his right to vote at a polling booth in the police quarters at Andheri’s Marol area. Originally from Udvada in Gujarat, Mistry worked professionally as a tailor.
Jagjivan Mistry. PIC/SAMIULLAH KHAN
During the colonial era, he was involved in designing and stitching uniforms for the British Indian Army. The father of three daughters — the eldest of whom has passed away — and one son, Mistry remains largely independent, managing his personal daily activities without assistance. When he feels like it, he still steps out of the house for a walk.
His 60-year-old son, Yogesh, said Mistry has never missed a single election in his lifetime. He said despite repeated calls from election officials offering the home voting facility, his father insisted on personally visiting the polling booth.
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