Gaya: As the country gears up to celebrate democracy, this 108-year-old from Bihar, who has been a part of each and every general election, is all set to vote again this term.
In the year 1952, when the country witnessed first ever voting for a free and fare election after independence, Hemraj Paswan participated in it. Paswan who hails from Itma village in Gaya is ready to cast his vote in the upcoming general elections, thereby become a part of democratic process again.
"He talks about that time when he voted for the very first time in 1952. He has lived that life, he has fought for the freedon of the nation. Even today he urges the people of this village to vote for the one who looks after the poor. He does not talk about parties or leaders," Paswan's younger son who is the head of Fatehpur panchayat said.
The folds of wrinkles on his face carry a seriousness when he talks about the changes he witnessed ever since his first vote. He lets out a pleasant smile as he stumbles upon memories.
Talking about the EVM and VVPATs machinery that is used today in elections, he said that it all started with merely a piece of paper, a ballot box and only 2 candidates to choose from.
Paswan has seen British rule. He has seen the birth and the growth of the Republic of India. He even urged that people should vote for the one who is considerate of the needs of the poor. "If I am alive then I will surely cast my vote in this year's elections as well," he said.
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