Dehradun. On the International Day of Older Persons, the extraordinary story of 113‑year‑old Thakur Das from Majri Grant, Doiwala, shines a light on a life forged through discipline, self‑reliance, and a century of history.
Having lived through the British Raj, the upheaval of Partition in 1947, and the emergence of a modern India, Mr Das now shelters the fourth generation of his family under his roof. Despite his advanced age, he still handles most household chores unaided.
Active and Engaged at 113
Thakur Das continues to supervise his farmland, track planting and harvest cycles, and even makes personal trips to the bank for essential paperwork. Neighbours frequently comment on his vigor and his unwavering ability to manage his affairs independently.
Reflecting on more than a century of change, he emphasizes that the nation’s future rests in the hands of its young citizens.
Guidance for the Younger Generation
When speaking with youngsters, Das delivers a crystal‑clear message: steer clear of every form of addiction. He attributes his lifelong sobriety to a strict, disciplined routine that has kept him steady.
He also urges the youth to work hard, uphold discipline, and maintain a positive outlook. Voting, he stresses, is a civic responsibility that must never be taken lightly, and every citizen should feel a duty toward the country.
Finally, Das reminds those who are capable that extending a helping hand to those in need is not just kind—it’s a moral imperative.
“Discipline and independence are the twin pillars that have carried me through a hundred‑plus years; they are the same pillars the next generation should build upon.” – Thakur Das
