Retirement not on the cards for centenarian

Centenarian V. Ranganathan with his wife M. Pathma during his 100th year birthday celebration on April 12.

IPOH: Bravo Uncle Ranga!

At 100 years old, V. Ranganathan still drives everyday from his Teluk Intan home to work at Mon Repos Estate in Sabak Bernam, a distance of about 40km.

As the estate manager, he would walk around the place to supervise the harvesting and transporting of oil palm fruits, besides attending to other daily chores.

The centenarian, who celebrated his birthday on April 12, said walking was one of his “secrets” to a healthy life.

“I walk for about two to three kilometres daily,” he said.

As for his food intake, he said he did not eat that much now.

“I only eat to live, not live to eat,” he added.

Ranganathan said, except for hemorrhoids, he is in good health.

“I don’t have diabetes or heart issues.

“In 1941, I had an operation on my appendicitis, that’s all,” he said.

Ranganathan said he came to then Malaya from India when he was 10 years old.

The eldest of 14 siblings, he said he had worked as a probationary dresser in an estate hospital before starting work as a planter in 1954.

“I became an estate manager in 1955. I have also worked in various estates in Negri Sembilan and Selangor,” he said.

“In 1978, I went to manage an estate in Sungai Siput. I was offered the role of an assistant manager in 1983 to look after a small property, which I’m still managing till now.”

Ranganathan said he was also active in charity work, helping temples and welfare homes.

“I do what I can. Every year, I will try to hold programmes to help the needy,” he said.

Ranganathan has eight children, 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

“Most of my children and grandchildren are doing well. Some are doctors, accountants and lawyers here and abroad,” he said, adding that he lives with his wife and eldest daughter in Teluk Intan.

On his outlook on life, Ranganathan: “Pray to God, don’t do harm, don’t be jealous, be honest.”