112-year-old will show GenZ why it has no alibi

MUMBAI: Kanchanben Nandkishore Badshah is ready to go the extra mile to do her duty. The 112-year-old Breach Candy resident is determined to step out of home on May 20 to cast her vote for Lok Sabha election. This, despite having the 'vote-from-home' facility that Election Commission has rolled out for the first time for those over 85 and persons with disabilities.

"...I'd want to go out and vote," Kanchanben smiles, speaking animatedly in Gujarati, her grandson Parind Badshah playing interpreter for TOI. "Younger people out there should have no reason not to go vote."

Born in 1912, the elderly woman lost her husband early in life, and has outlived her three children. Kanchanben hobbles comfortably around the house using a walker although her hands tremble a bit - something her grandson says could be expected when she'll cast her vote. But, by far, she's independent, he says. She makes her own food and tea occasionally, but insists on churning out her own ghee. "She loves to read the newspapers and has a healthy daily routine...," he says.

The polling booth is a couple of lanes away from their home, her grandson says, adding that it's no trouble escorting her there.

Polling officers are impressed with the supercentenarian. "She's an example for all of us... to do our constitutional duty," said Nayana Pawar, nodal officer from Malabar Hill constituency (185 ). South Mumbai returning officer Ravi Katakdhond said efforts are being made to reach out to every 85-plus voter. "We've traced most of the voters... Our aim is that they exercise their franchise. We have made all arrangements for them, our officials will visit their homes," he said.

Kanchanben, who has lived through both World Wars and the Partition reels out anecdotes in detail. She loves to go for car drives, enjoys sada dosa and ice cream.


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