Even in old age, he still looks cute with his muscles... 

Former Mr. Universe turns 100 

Manohar Aich, Former Mr. Universe in 1952, celebrated his 100th birthday, Sunday, March 18, surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Kolkata, an eastern city in India.

Aich, who is 4 foot 11 inches tall, overcame many hurdles, including grinding poverty and a stint in prison, to achieve body built glory.

Rippling his muscles and flashing a toothless grin, he says his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times are the secrets to his long life, a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish have kept him healthy.

“I never allow any sort of tension to grip me. I had to struggle to earn money since my young days, but whatever the situation, I remained happy,” he said.

He was born in the small town of Comilla, in Bengal, was a puny youngster. But he was attracted to exercising and building his muscles when as a schoolboy he saw a group of wrestlers in action.

After leaving school in 1942, he joined the Royal air force under India’s British colonial rulers and it was there that he began his relentless pursuit of body - building.

Encouraged by a British officer, Reub Martin, who introduced him to weight training, Aich earned praise for his physique from his peers in the air force.

Some years later, however, he was thrown into prison when he protested against colonial oppression.

“It was in the jail that I began weight training seriously. This helped me prepare myself for the world championship. In jail I used to practice on my own, without any equipment, sometimes for 12 hours in a day,” he recalled.

But the jail authorities were impressed with his perseverance and he was given a special diet to help build his stamina. India’s independence in 1947 led to his release from jail.

In 1951, Aich came second in the contest, and stayed on in London to prepare for another shot at the title. He returned to India after winning the title in 1952.

What followed were a host of awards, including top positions in Asian Body building Championships. Over the years, he also earned the more popular title of “Pocket Hercules” due to his 4 foot 11 inch—frame.

A minor stroke last year has robbed him of the ability to lift weights, but he keeps a watchful eye on young body builders training in his gym.

Among his regrets, says he never had a chance to meet his more famous counterpart, a fellow Mr. Universe winner, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

By Portia