PUNE, Aug 15: ``I have witnessed the end of the 19th century, overcome the ups and downs in the 50 years of the pre-Independence as well as 50 years of post-Independence throughout the 20th century. Now I have only one wish in life to have a glimpse of 21st century too.''

Coming from a man who has hit a century in real-life, who has survived two deadly epidemics and who still thinks that there is nothing to despair but still hope for the young, this is no ordinary wish. The celebrity is none other than Ganesh Krishna Pradhan of Sadashivpeth.

Born on March 15, 1897, the centenarian is no doubt a rare personality. As the nation celebrates 50 years of Independence, here is man who has witnessed both the buoyancy of the pre-Independence days as well as the nightmares of the post-independence era. Even at the age of 100 years and 5 months, Pradhan lives a healthy life. His dark hair shocks you. He doesn't mumble, thinks as actively as any young man and writes such a legible hand that can force one to bow his head in shame.

Born when the Great Plague had struck the country and hundreds were dying every day, Pradhan too became a victim of the disease when he was only 15 days old. Ironically, the boy who everyone had given up for lost, became not only the sole survivor from his family but also witnessed the centenary of the plague. ``I was lucky that I was too young to realise the horror,'' recounts Pradhan. Having lost his father at the age of eight, Pradhan had to shoulder the responsibility of the six-member family. After completing his matriculation in 1914, Pradhan faced unemployment for two years. The hunt for a job led him to South Africa but unsatisfied with his work, he returned to India within two years.

The return proved fruitful, says Pradhan, as this was also the period when Mahatma Gandhi was leading the nation's freedom struggle and Bal Gangadhar Tilak had taken the initiative in Pune. After 35 years of service, he retired as a gazetted officer in 1952. ``There is a sky of difference between pre-Independence and post-Independence era. There was certain discipline in society when the British ruled over India. People were scared of committing even the smallest of crimes for they knew they could be hanged. But today even if a man kills someone he can go scot-free,'' says Pradhan. Keenly interested in astrology, Pradhan predicts ``a chance of light'' for the nation and adds that the fourth generation will prove the best generation of the century. Pradhan, however, continues to remain positive about life. ``I am not scared of life. I consider whatever is happening nowadays as a nightmare and try to forget it with a hope to see better days,'' he says. ``I know I have grown too old. Now my bones trouble me, my ears have gone weak and my eyes need spectacles, but I still exercise for 45 minutes every morning. I have decided not to die before seeing the light of the 21st century,'' he adds with confidence sparkling in his eyes.

All the best, dear Pradhan.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.