Super vete-run
Vivek Ajinkya
At 71, Samjiskar can be touted as a Fauja Singh in the making ahead of his 21st marathon this weekend.
Running marathons comes as naturally as breathing to 71-year-old Mahadev Samjiskar. And it is equally important to him too.
After all it has helped him defy age so far, and at the rate he is going he can definitely be touted as another Fauja Singh in the making. Samjiskar shares many traits with the 102-yearold British marathoner, the most striking being his discipline and unconditional commitment to running and fitness. And it definitely is paying off well.
While most people his age have been busy with their medical checkups and appointments with their doctor, gritty Samjiskar has galloped his way through 20 marathons in just nine years and even won gold in the 2009 Mumbai Half Marathon in the 65+ category.
In 2010, at the age of 67, he started representing India at international athletic events. He has picked up silver and a bronze in the 5km walk and 800m run in Colombo. He also finished third in the 5km walk in Pune that year. Last year he was selected to represent the Indian flag at the World Master Games in Italy, but could not travel due to financial constraints. But he is keen on attending the next international event.
The best part of Samjiskar’s story is that he started participating only after he turned 62. So what kept him from realising his passion all these years?
Like many of us, Samjiskar succumbed to circumstance and the athlete in him got lost in the hustle and bustle of this overcrowded city.
Born in British India, Samjiskar has played many roles in his life ever since his early years - and all of those to his best abilities. A dedicated son and husband, a passionate student, a hardworking employee, Samjiskar is an example - not just for veterans, or running enthusiasts - but for all things alive.
In 1963, Samjiskar got married when he was just 20 years old while holding a job with the Indian Navy in capacity of a civilian officer. Two years later he joined the Indian Airlines as a typist.
Samjiskar’s life changed after he lost his wife in 1969. He drowned himself in books and office work to anesthesize his grief. Fourteen years after passing out his SSC, he joined Parle College in 1975. Studying further helped him gain promotions at work.
And after serving at Indian Airlines for a stunning 36 years, Samjiskar, who joined as a typist walked out with Sr Manager Flight Operations written on the plaque of his personal office cabin.
All this while, he was a rock for his ailing parents. The discipline he ran his life with, remained his mark even post retirement. The next four years of his life he dedicated completely to his bed-ridden parents.
After they passed away, he took a vow to stay fit as long as he is alive. Samjiskar has managed to dodge past all medical ailments thanks to his love for running.
“Running is my life. I have no medical problems and I don’t need any medicine even at this age. But if I stop running, I know I’ll fall ill. It keeps me going,” Samjiskar told Mirror with a wide grin ignited by his workout at Marine Drive.
“For me, the best place to die is on a track. That will be an honour,” his words explained the kick he gets out of running.
“As one grows old, their value reduces in society. They become a liability. Even elderly citizens go into depression. I just want to stay healthy and never become a liability on anyone. So I will run till I die,” he added.
Samjiskar has three children and three grandchildren, but no one from his family has shown interest in running yet. But outside, he has effected quite a change in the way people look at veterans. “I train at the National Park (Borivli) five days a week. People have started to recognise me now. My real reward is when I see people getting inspired by me and start running,” said Samjiskar, who as part of the Nike+ Run Club also trains with experienced marathoner Daniel Vaz in Kandivli once a week.
At 71, Samjiskar can be touted as a Fauja Singh in the making ahead of his 21st marathon this weekend.
Running marathons comes as naturally as breathing to 71-year-old Mahadev Samjiskar. And it is equally important to him too.
After all it has helped him defy age so far, and at the rate he is going he can definitely be touted as another Fauja Singh in the making. Samjiskar shares many traits with the 102-yearold British marathoner, the most striking being his discipline and unconditional commitment to running and fitness. And it definitely is paying off well.
While most people his age have been busy with their medical checkups and appointments with their doctor, gritty Samjiskar has galloped his way through 20 marathons in just nine years and even won gold in the 2009 Mumbai Half Marathon in the 65+ category.
In 2010, at the age of 67, he started representing India at international athletic events. He has picked up silver and a bronze in the 5km walk and 800m run in Colombo. He also finished third in the 5km walk in Pune that year. Last year he was selected to represent the Indian flag at the World Master Games in Italy, but could not travel due to financial constraints. But he is keen on attending the next international event.
The best part of Samjiskar’s story is that he started participating only after he turned 62. So what kept him from realising his passion all these years?
Like many of us, Samjiskar succumbed to circumstance and the athlete in him got lost in the hustle and bustle of this overcrowded city.
Born in British India, Samjiskar has played many roles in his life ever since his early years - and all of those to his best abilities. A dedicated son and husband, a passionate student, a hardworking employee, Samjiskar is an example - not just for veterans, or running enthusiasts - but for all things alive.
In 1963, Samjiskar got married when he was just 20 years old while holding a job with the Indian Navy in capacity of a civilian officer. Two years later he joined the Indian Airlines as a typist.
Samjiskar’s life changed after he lost his wife in 1969. He drowned himself in books and office work to anesthesize his grief. Fourteen years after passing out his SSC, he joined Parle College in 1975. Studying further helped him gain promotions at work.
And after serving at Indian Airlines for a stunning 36 years, Samjiskar, who joined as a typist walked out with Sr Manager Flight Operations written on the plaque of his personal office cabin.
All this while, he was a rock for his ailing parents. The discipline he ran his life with, remained his mark even post retirement. The next four years of his life he dedicated completely to his bed-ridden parents.
After they passed away, he took a vow to stay fit as long as he is alive. Samjiskar has managed to dodge past all medical ailments thanks to his love for running.
“Running is my life. I have no medical problems and I don’t need any medicine even at this age. But if I stop running, I know I’ll fall ill. It keeps me going,” Samjiskar told Mirror with a wide grin ignited by his workout at Marine Drive.
“For me, the best place to die is on a track. That will be an honour,” his words explained the kick he gets out of running.
“As one grows old, their value reduces in society. They become a liability. Even elderly citizens go into depression. I just want to stay healthy and never become a liability on anyone. So I will run till I die,” he added.
Samjiskar has three children and three grandchildren, but no one from his family has shown interest in running yet. But outside, he has effected quite a change in the way people look at veterans. “I train at the National Park (Borivli) five days a week. People have started to recognise me now. My real reward is when I see people getting inspired by me and start running,” said Samjiskar, who as part of the Nike+ Run Club also trains with experienced marathoner Daniel Vaz in Kandivli once a week.
