Manohar Aich won the ‘ Mr. Universe’ title in the Group III Championship category in 1952, achieving greatness in becoming India’s first Mr.Universe. His global achievement came in an era, when the country rarely made heroes of its sports people.

The diminutive Manohar Aich also known as ‘Pocket Hercules’ having a height of 4’11” (approximately 1.5 metre tall). He was born in Dhamti village, Comilla district (now in Bangladesh). With Independence he moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1949.

Manohar Aich attended the Jubilee school in Dhaka. Later he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1942 where he began his pursuit in body building. He was encouraged by a British officer named Reub Martin who introduced him to weight training.

In 1950 – he won the Mr. Hercules contest. In 1951 he stood 2nd in the Mr. Universe contest . He went to London for training and in 1952 he won the Mr. Universe title achieving body building glory. In 1955 he stood 3rd in the Mr.Universe contest.

The superfit centenarian Aich currently lives in Baguihati, north of Kolkata and celebrated his 100 years on Sunday, March 17th, 2013.