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97-year-old Matunga voter gets 100/100 for commitment

Despite failing health, Harakhlal M Vankani came out to cast his ballot on Wednesday just like he has done for all polls since the 1950s

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A 97-year-old man from Matunga (W) can teach a good lesson to all the youngsters who didn't vote out of sheer laziness. Despite poor health, Harakhlal M Vankani came out to vote on Wednesday morning just like he has done for all elections since the 1950s.

In fact, a relative of Vankani told DNA that the nonagenarian had told his family two days earlier that even this bout of illness would not be able to stop him from voting. "He is bedridden, but for the past two days, we realised he was trying to get up, move a bit so that he feels fit and fine to vote. Voting is something he has always been excited about. He says one does not have the right to complain about the lack of good governance or civic amenities if he does not vote."

The relative added that the family members initially did not approve of his idea to go out and vote due to his prolonged illness. "The family doctor had given up a few days back saying that if he lost more weight, he should be admitted to a hospital. Till last week, he hardly could even get up to answer nature's call. But he remained adamant since last two days and it is his will power that made him vote. We took him to the polling booth early on so that the heat does not take a further toll on his health," he said.

Vankani himself has a message for youngsters, especially those who did not turn out to vote. "Remember, more than old people it is the young that must be enthusiastic about voting. If the development of a state is stalled for five years because of an inefficient and corrupt government, then its effects are felt on an entire generation," said Vankani.

Having come to Mumbai almost 80 years ago from Gujarat, Vankani, who retired from a pharmaceutical company, also holds a gold medal in palmistry. Till recently, he would read palms of inquisitive youngsters and tell them a thing or two about their future. "While he doesn't have much to say about the bad blood some parties have tried to create against Gujaratis, he changed his mind after the alliances broke and has decided to keep to himself the party whom he voted for only hoping that his vote would make a difference," said the relative.

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