Manohar Aich, the Mr Universe in 1952, turned 100 recently. He said that with discipline in life while following principles like honesty one can live very long. With a tiny stature, standing only 4 feet and 10 inches tall, the Mr Universe still feels young and has followers as young, relatively of course, as 65 years old.

The macho man, seems to be in his youth after you see him flex his muscles just like in his prime time. The mini Hercules still feels young at heart.
"No, I never feel anything, I have never felt anything. Yes I feel young at heart," Aich says.

He was born into a poor family of the erstwhile India, now a part of Bangladesh but that has not stopped him from going against all odds to pursue his passion. He had also served the Royal Air Force of the British-India in 1942. He was in prison for slapping a British official after he made hateful statements against Indians. His legacy has been passed on to his children who now live with the same values and strength.

Bani Banerjee, his daughter said that Aich asked them to always walk in the path of honesty while uttering only the truth. Aich had asked them to recite the mantra of truth and honesty every day after they wake up.

Aich has not yet given up his training to maintain his physique. He however has not yet taken to the modern-day air conditioned gymnasiums and spas but he would not step back hesitating to dirty his hands in the traditional akhara. He also has a few followers at the akhara who are 65 years old.

What is pitiable is that the government of the state or the center had not showed him a bit of recognition to the 100 year old sports star but Mr Universe has never waited for them had always believed in his hard work and continues to do the same while we all wish him many more years of health and strength ahead.

(AW- Anil)