Ramjit Raghav, a farmer from Kharkhoda village in Haryana, India, captured international media attention when he became a father for the first time in 2010 at the age of 94. Even more astonishing, in 2012, Ramjit Raghav welcomed his second son at the age of 96.
For many, raising children is one of the greatest joys in life. Every decision revolves around how it impacts their children, ensuring maximum benefits and minimal issues for them. Parenthood is a personal choice; some opt to have children early, while others prefer to wait until later in life.
However, aside from Ramjit Raghav, who is considered the oldest man to father a child, it is hard to find anyone else in the world who can wait until the age of 94 to have their first child!
Ramjit, believed to be the oldest man to father a child, welcomed his first son in 2010 at the age of 94! He married at 24 but was widowed for 25 years before meeting his second wife, Shakuntala Devi. At 94 and 50, Ramjit and Shakuntala welcomed their first son, Vikramjeet, born in 2010. With this, Ramjit is regarded as the oldest man in the world to become a father.
Raghav was born and raised in a poor farming family in Haryana. Before having children, Raghav and Devi faced many years of infertility. They tried numerous treatments but were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, Raghav never lost hope. He always believed that one day they would have their own child. Then, a miracle occurred. In 2010, Devi naturally became pregnant.
Ramjit Raghav, wife Shakuntala Devi, and their first child Vikramjeet. A simple and healthy lifestyle is the secret to Raghav’s remarkable health and fertility. He is a strict vegetarian, exercises regularly, and maintains a scientifically sound lifestyle. Raghav does not smoke, drink alcohol, or indulge in other stimulants. Additionally, Raghav shares that he has always believed in the power of yoga and traditional medicine. He practices yoga regularly and uses herbs to maintain his health.
In 2012, just two years after welcoming his first son, Ramjit welcomed Ranjeet, his second son. At 96, Ramjit broke his previous record, becoming the oldest man to father a child. With the birth of their second son, Ramjit stated that the couple would not attempt to have another child due to financial concerns.
Ramjit, a farmer and former wrestler from Haryana, India, claims that the secret to his “robustness” is a vegetarian diet consisting of grains, fruits, and a complete avoidance of alcohol. His statement led PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to choose him as a participant in one of their advertising campaigns promoting vegetarianism with the slogan “Vegetarians can still understand this at 96.”
Ramjit Raghav’s story received mixed reactions from the community. Some expressed admiration and congratulated him, while others raised doubts and concerns about the health of the mother and child. The case also sparked ethical debates about having children at an older age. Many worried that Raghav might not have the strength to raise his son to adulthood. Despite the controversies, Ramjit Raghav and his wife continue to assert their happiness with their decision.
His extraordinary story has attracted curiosity and attention from many, raising questions about health, fertility, and family concepts.
Raghav has high hopes for his sons and desires that they will have a life worth cherishing. However, in May 2013, Shakuntala Devi took Vikramjeet to a local hospital for a check-up. She fell asleep at the bus station on the way home and when she woke up, her child was nowhere to be found. The stress of the disappearance led Shakuntala Devi to leave home with their second child.
Unfortunately, Ramjit Raghav passed away in a house fire in 2020 at the age of 104. However, many, including those from his village, believe that Ramjit was not as old as he claimed. Ramjit asserted that he was over 100 years old in 2010, but the government agency that provided his pension stated he was 94 at that time.
Dr. Paramjeet Singh, Medical Director at Kharkhoda Civil Hospital, where Vikramjeet was born, stated that while rare, older men can still father children. With Shakuntala Devi being in her 50s during both pregnancies, this truly is a miracle.
