Chamarajanagar, : Finally, 102-year-old Gouthamamma, the grand old lady of Doddalatturu near Hanur in Chamarajanagar district, marched her way to victory, by bagging 354 votes, in the recently held Gram Panchayat elections.

With elected representatives turning a blind eye to the problems in the village, the residents of Doddalatturu egged Gouthamamma to contest elections, with the hope that the village would witness a change. Youth and women extended their support to the senior citizen and sought votes on her behalf. Goutha­mamma, on her part, inspired the voters with her steely grit and determination.

Seasoned by the travails of life, she is groomed enough to take over the reins of panchayat administration. It has been 49 years since her husband, Avalanayak died. She helmed the affairs of her family of six daughters and a son, who also passed away 30 years ago.

Gouthamamma leads an independent life. Without much ado, she attends to her daily chores with ease. With oodles of confidence and excellent oratory skills, winning elections was a cakewalk for Gouthamamma. She is all set to take over the mantles of panchayat administration on her frail shoulders, in memory of her husband, who had thrived for the welfare of the village.