At 105 years old, Honorary Captain Romel Singh Pathania (retd) from Baroh village, Fatehpur subdivision, Kangra district, continues to embody vitality and resilience. His impressive longevity and active lifestyle are a testament to his disciplined life and service to the nation.
Captain Pathania’s storied military career spans several decades and conflicts. He served with distinction in both the Indian Army and the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) under Subhas Chandra Bose. His service includes participation in World War II, where he fought from 1939 to 1945, followed by the Waziristan War in 1945. Post-independence, he played a role in the Indo-China War of 1962 and the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. He retired from the 16-Dogra Regiment after a commendable 31-year service in 1976, earning the title of Honorary Captain.
Despite his advanced age, Captain Pathania remains remarkably active. He drives a two-wheeler, reads newspapers without glasses, and walks unaided, showcasing a remarkable level of fitness for someone his age. His longevity and vitality are attributed to a lifestyle devoid of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and smoking. Instead, he maintains a diet of light meals, daily walking, and regular physical work.
Captain Pathania’s disciplined regimen extends beyond diet and exercise. He wakes at 4 a.m., performs daily pooja at the small temple in his home, and engages in fieldwork. His commitment to health and discipline is evident in his sharp memory and the absence of any medication in his routine.
Fluency in multiple languages—Urdu, English, Hindi, and Pashto—adds to his multifaceted persona. His family, including two sons and three daughters, supports his active lifestyle, and he shares his life with his children and their spouses in his native village.
A testament to his dedication to the nation and family, Captain Pathania has a statue of his father, Tula Ram, a freedom fighter, in a park near his home. He also honors the national flag every Independence Day and Republic Day.
Captain Romel Singh Pathania’s life serves as an inspiring example of how dedication to a disciplined lifestyle and a positive mindset can lead to a long and fulfilling life.
