India, Aug. 14 -- Born on December 12, 1925, in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, Tarachand Jain aspired to become a teacher, just like his father. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was dismissed from his school at 17 for participating in the Quit India Movement in 1942. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Jain joined the freedom struggle and was imprisoned for six months.

An athlete and long-time supporter of the Indian National Congress, Jain expressed concern over the party's current state. "I am happy with the country's progress - be it access to water, road construction, housing for the poor, or improvements in education. But I feel distressed about the Congress's condition due to weak leadership," he said.

Jain is also disappo...