Bhagalpur woman, 120, stirs debate over world's oldest person claim
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Bhagalpur: A frail woman from Bhagalpur is shaking up global age records. Asha Devi, born on Jan 1, 1905 — if her voter ID is to be believed — is listed as 120 years old in the draft electoral rolls published by the Election Commission of India.
Her astonishing age came to light during the special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list. Booth level officer Farzana Khatoon verified her details at booth number 292, Middle School Feku Tola (north part) and the electoral registration officer confirmed the entry. In official records, she is the wife of late Chalitar Mandal and a resident of Srimatpur Kali Prasad village under the Pirpainti (SC) assembly constituency.
Before her name surfaced, 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka of Japan, born on May 23, 1908, was recognised as the world's oldest living woman and person, following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera. Itooka's age is validated by the Gerontology Research Group and confirmed by Guinness World Records. Asha Devi's claim, however, remains unverified beyond voter list documentation and Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary's statement.
On Wednesday, the DM said he had verified Asha Devi's Aadhaar card, which records her date of birth as Jan 1, 1905.
Her appearance in the electoral rolls ignited an online stir after a social media post alleged she had become a voter for the first time at 120 — a claim she rejects outright. "Sabhhay din vote delo chhiye (I have been voting for a long time)," she said in Angika language.
Asha Devi attributed her longevity to a simple, stress-free life and frugal eating.
Her daily routine includes 'sattu' — roasted gram flour mixed with water and a pinch of rock salt — and a diet dominated by goat's milk and 'roti'. "She took to goat milk in her early days," said panchayat member Md Kabil Hussain, citing her family's account.
Widowed in 1995, when her husband died at the age of 90, she has led her family for three decades. She had five sons — three of whom have passed away — and two daughters, along with 13 grandsons, nine granddaughters and several great-grandchildren.
Though her children live separately, they remain closely connected and care for her.
Her mind remains alert and most of her teeth are original, something she credits to brushing with a neem twig. "That's the secret to her teeth and gum health," Hussain said.
She draws a monthly pension of Rs 1,100 under the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana. "Khoob jiyo… khoob jiyo dher din," she blessed CM Nitish Kumar and the state govt, thankful for the recent hike from Rs 400.
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