Margao's Chavadappa Gunjekar turned 119 years old on Wednesday, making him the oldest living person in the world.
According to Guinness Book of World Records, Spain’s Saturnino de la Fuente García became the oldest person living (male) at the age of 112 years and 211 days while Japanese woman Kane Tanaka is currently the pldest person living at an age of 118.
On Sunday, residents and panchayat at Magao sang “Happy Birthday” to Gunjekar.
Hailing from Shahpur, Belgaum, Gunjekar was born on 17th November 1902 and arrived in Goa at the age of 22 in 1924.
Currently, he lives with his four sons in Rawanfond, Goa. "I came to Goa and settled in Ravanfond. I saw the Portuguese rule and the Portuguese government used to take stones from us for construction. At first I was a small labour and then later I owned two crushers, four trucks and a car." the 119-year-old said.
"I saw a lot of wealth but currently I'm living in a poor condition. I am not even provided with Government pension," Gunjekar added.
When asked the secret for his longevity, the 119-years-old said walking briskly for three-four kilometers daily.
Speaking to the media person, Savio D'Silva, sarpanch of Velim Panchayat said that his name should be included in the Guinness World Record and Limca Book of records.
"I will try to provide him with other government benefits. It is a matter of pride that the world's oldest person like Gunjekar is in Goa and India. The State Government and the Central Government take note and give him due respect," Silva said.
