“Failure is the pillar of success” has come to reality in Shitol Sarker’s life.

The 65-year-old has set an example of breakthrough after long 38 years of perseverance by being elected a ward councillor by winning the May 5 Mymensingh City Corporation vote battle.

Earlier, Shitol participated in Mymensingh Municipality (now defunct) election to become a ward commissioner (now councillor) a total of six times. “Every time, I secured second position,” he told The Daily Star.

He also brought allegations of vote rigging at that time. He, however, did not despair of competing further. Rather, the more he failed the more he became determined.

“With a hope of voters’ response, I also took part in the race for councillor post [for the seventh time]. I am ever grateful to voters for electing me,” said Shitol, also a freedom fighter.

Voters exercised their franchise through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in all the centres of 33 wards in the MCC polls. Shitol Sarker was elected councillor from Ward-9 with the electoral symbol of pumpkin.

“In the EVM system, there was no scope for vote rigging which helped me be elected,” he said.

“I will work to improve public utility services in my ward. But my first priority will be to strengthen brotherhood among people irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” said Shitol, vice president of Mymensingh city unit of Krishak League.

Talking to this correspondent, an emotional Shitol said he has no intention of making money. It will be his earnest desire to involve himself in people’s welfare, he said.

Goutam Esh, a voter of the ward, said youths and elders of the locality extended their cordial support for Shitol, a small trader.

Expressing happiness at his win, Shitol’s classmate and neighbour, Dr Ranjan Kumar Majumder, said they should provide all-out support positively so that Shitol can perform his duty smoothly as a public representative.