Mangalore: We often hear that the average lifespan of today’s humans is about 60 years. There is a reason for this. That is today’s lifestyle. No sweating, harmful food makes man to struggle to maintain a good health. As he is dependent on pills for silly diseases his health is dependent on pills, hospitals etc. In spite of this if he lives 90 years of his life the society will highlight his life as if it is a great achievement. In the mid of this there is a man of 106 years living a lively life in a small town called Balkunje near Kinnigoli. His name is Joseph Menezes.

He was the 5th child of Late Diyeg Alex Menezes and Late Antonio Pinto and born on June 28, 1901. He studied up to 5th standard at St. Paul Primary School, Balkunje. At that time there was a school providing education up to 5th standard. He couldn’t go to faraway places to have further education. Then he went to Mumbai in search of a job but he could not adjust there and came back to his native place and engaged himself in the agriculture work in his farm. And he succeeded.

He got married to Lucy Cutinah on May 26, 1927 and had 5 children. Two of them died in a very young age. In the remaining three first one is Fr. Dennis Menezes, who has dedicated his life for religious and social service. Second one is sister Slandin, again serving in the religious field, and worked as a primary school teacher in many schools, presently working at Balkunje Convent and looking after her father. Third son, Mark Menezes died due to severe illness in 1988, when he was 40 while serving as a lecturer at prestigious St. Aloysius College. His beloved son’s untimely death was a great shock to him but as time spent he returned to his former pace.

His wife died in 1991 at the age of 79. As she was suffering from illness since her 40 years of age, Joseph Menezes himself looked after his wife and took the responsibility of his children. He cultivated paddy, sugarcane in his farm and educated his children.

Now at the age of 106 he is leading a contented life and he has got such a healthy mind which can put our youngsters into shame. He is leading a disciplined life. He is not dependent for his daily chores. Doesn’t fight with anybody, on the other hand he advises the people fighting each other. He reads newspapers daily, gives his opinion about the political affairs. He is annoyed with affairs such as price hike which makes common people to suffer a lot. His hearing ability is diminished a little but he can recall the age-old incidents. He welcomes people visiting him at his house and explains the incidents of his life with great interest. He casted his vote in the last general election and has set an example to the youngsters who hesitate to cast their votes.

Many institutions have felicitated Joseph Menezes for his life-time achievements. We wish him a long, happy and healthy life.