The secret of longevity sounds simple. "To gain sound health, eat less than your full appetite and do not worry over petty issues," 109-year-old Bhiku Khandu Narute said here on Sunday.
Narute, who turned 109 on January 1, was felicitated by Federation of Senior Citizens Organisation Maharashtra (FESCOM), Pune zone, here on Sunday. Commissioner of Police Dr Satyapal Singh felicitated Narute calling him his 'ex-veteran colleague'. Narute had worked with the city police till his retirement in June 1968. Narute is hailed as the oldest surviving ex-policeman in the city.
"I don't have diseases that people commonly have, like diabetes and blood pressure. I can still hear, see and talk well," Narute told Sakaal Times after the felicitation function.
The grand old man said his crossing the century-mark was a bit unique, but he did not consider it as anything special.
Narute, who hails from Phaltan taluka in Satara district, retired as an assistant sub-in spector from the city police. He is presently living with his family in Gokhale Nagar. He married in 1937 and had three daughters and a son. His son, however, passed away after a brief illness.
Three generations of Narute's family are serving with the police.
"One of my three daughters is in the police force. My sonin-law is also a cop and recently my grandson joined the police force. It is a proud feeling for me to serve the nation," said Narute.
Recalling his special memories, he said, "I was on security duty of Mahatma Gandhi, when he was kept at Aga Khan Palace during the movement for freedom."
He also recalled the nabbing of dacoit Kondhya Navale in the hilly area of Junnar taluka in Pune district, which he said, occurred five to six decades ago.
Except for the wrinkles on his face, he does not show any major sign of ageing in his overall appearance.
Narute came by himself to attend the function. His wife, in her 90s, was slated to attend the function, but could not come.
FESCOM Pune zone president N V Kodolikar, secretary Arvind Kulkarni, president of Virangula Kendra Ramanbhai Shah were present on the occasion.
Narute, responding to the felicitation, made a brief speech. Referring to the recent terror attack in Mumbai, he said, "A handful of foreigners come to our land and do the damage they want. It is our duty as citizens to remain alert and avoid such tragedies in the future." Seeing the fervour and dutifulness of this veteran ex-policeman, Commissioner of Police Dr Satyapal Singh saluted Narute. Dr Singh later affectionately shook hands with him.
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