Prateeksha Thakur 
97-year-old Parsharam Kamred from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district contested the Panchayat elections to fight drug abuse and strengthen village security
Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh were held yesterday in the first phase, and amid the polling activity, the story of 97-year-old Parsharam Kamred from Jhikla Hatwas Panchayat in Kangra district became a major talking point in the region. Contesting the election for the post of Up-Pradhan, Parsharam drew attention for entering the electoral process at the age of 97 with a stated focus on raising awareness against drug abuse among youth.
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97-Year-Old Parsharam is Contesting for the post of Up-Pradhan in the Nagrota Bagwan development block, with a mission to raise awareness against growing drug abuse among the youth.
He says the increasing spread of drugs among young people is one of the biggest concerns facing society today, and this concern motivated him to step into local politics even at this stage of life.
Despite being 97, Parsharam remains active, aware and deeply connected with village issues. Though age has slightly bent his back, his determination towards social service remains strong.
Villagers describe him as mentally sharp and socially active. He can still read newspapers without glasses, hears clearly and even understands English. He also writes letters to administrative officials regarding local problems whenever required. Associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Parsharam has remained connected with grassroots politics and community work for years.
During the campaign, he said that if elected, his main focus would be launching anti-drug awareness drives and strengthening village security by installing surveillance cameras in villages to curb crime and anti-social activities. Regardless of the election result, Parsharam’s candidature has become a powerful example of civic participation and grassroots democracy in Himachal Pradesh.
