resident of Indian origin, has become the world's oldest blogger.
Butisingh's popular web blog
was recently awarded the Greypow Award for best senior site by the
website lifebeginsat80.com, which periodically lists the best senior
sites on the web.
The website was launched in 1999 as an attempt to encourage the
world's senior citizens to overcome their distrust of computers.
Butisingh, who was born in British Guyana (now Guyana) Dec 1, 1912,
succeeded Maria Amelia Lopez Solino as the oldest blogger on the web
after 97-year old Spanish great grandmother died in May 2009.
Maria Amelia had become an international celebrity after her blog
registered more than 1.5 million hits. Her blogs were an eclectic mix
of Spanish politics, international relations, and her memories of life
over the decades.
The oldest known bloggers were Ruth Hamilton and Olive Riley, who died
in 2008 at the age of 109 and 108 years.
However, Butisingh has the distinction of being the only one among the
senior bloggers to type and post his own blog. Maria Amelia dictated
her blog to her grandson, while both Hamilton and Riley spoke to
helpers who wrote up their blogs.
Butisingh says: "I am in fairly good shape after surviving a serious
illness. I can do most things for myself like showering, dressing,
preparing my breakfast, etc. I can walk, unsupported by a stick. At
present, the only pill I am taking is the aspirin (low strength) to
help with my circulation. My blood pressure is stable -- 140 over 70."
He grew up in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, where he received his
primary education. In 1927 he passed the school leaving examination
and became a pupil teacher at the age of 15 to begin a 45-year career
as a teacher. He retired in 1972.
He has seven children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren,
who live in America except for one daughter and her son who live in
Guyana. He has written three books of poems and was recognised as a
Poet of Merit by the American Poetry Association.
His varied background is reflected in Butisingh's blog; he writes
about life in Buxton, on philosophy, economics, politics, environment,
poetry, history, psychology and religion.
He has a secular world view and wrote last year: "I was raised as a
Christian from birth by Hindu parents and grew up in the Christian
Church, in a village which was predominantly Afro-Guyanese. But
eventually I separated from the church as I saw it as exclusive and
divisive and I wanted to be involved in all mankind.... I am at
present living in the home of my son-in-law and daughter, who are
Muslims."
At the age of 80 he began learning Arabic so that he could read the Koran.
Butisingh has studied comparative religions and philosophies. He
believes that "there is a fine thread of truth woven into the fabric
of all of religions, but very few are able to find it. Those who find
it, the mystics, although their source may be different, find
themselves in the same brotherhood journeying to the same
destination."
96-yr-old of Indian origin world's oldest blogger - Indians Abroad -
World - NEWS - The Times of India (21 August 2009)
=============
Dr P Vyasamoorthy,
30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278
http://www.google.com/profiles/vyasamoorthy.
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