Nonagenerian widower, cyclist are beacons of democracy

Mangaluru: A nonagenarian resident of Mannagudda overcame not only a personal setback to health, but loss of his life partner on the eve of voting, to turn up to vote on Thursday. Meet Damodar Nayak Kalyanpur, 90, who at his advanced age still manages a spare parts business—Ashok Industries – along with his son, near Central Market. Nayak, who underwent a critical head surgery last week, also battled the loss of his wife on Wednesday.
While most would have just broken down emotionally in such circumstances, Nayak who lost his wife Shanti, 79, to age related illness the day before elections, was the epitome of composure. Even in his hour of grief, Nayak motivated his friends, family and well-wishers to vote on the day. He also informed his children and grandchildren who had come to attend the final rites of his wife to return to their respective voting constituencies and vote.

And true to his motivational words to family members, Nayak went to his polling station in the city and exercised his democratic duty. Netizens, who shared his moving story on social media, observed that while most youngsters go on vacation and give several reasons for not voting, this nonagenarian is an inspiration for all. The netizens also wished him a speedy recovery and shared his grief on the loss of his wife.

Man cycles 360 km to vote

In an extraordinary display of endurance and commitment, Aniket, 29, cycled 360 km from Bengaluru to Mangaluru to cast his vote. An employee of Adsyndicate, Aniket is of the opinion that every citizen has to take ownership of this country, and casting one’s vote is a major step towards this direction. He urged all the youth to participate in this world’s largest democratic exercise and shape the nation’s destiny.