‘Simple living’ secret to long, happy marriage
OLD FASHIONED WAYS PAY OFF
NOWADAYS couples date for years before deciding to tie the knot. Others live together first to check for compatibility. However, the Singh couple of Umkomaas saw each other on two occasions then married.
Now, 55 years later, the bond between Mevalall and Pravitha Singh has stood the test of time.
When asked for the secret to their long and solid marriage, they replied: “Simple living.”
Said Pravitha: “We have always been old fashioned in our ways. We were happy to stay at home and spend time with our children. We never longed for anything else.” The marriage was arranged. “My cousin married uncle’s (Singh’s) cousin and we went to their home in Renishaw to visit.
“When uncle’s mother saw me she believed I would make the ideal match for her son.
“In those days we didn’t have a choice about our marriage partners. But I wasn’t sad because uncle had humble and kind ways.”
Singh, 80, said he liked his wife’s “homely ways”.
“I knew she would make a good mother and wife. She and I were both simple people who didn’t like going out too much. After we married I realised that we were similar in many ways.”
After meeting on two occasions the couple exchanged Hindu nuptials on August 9, 1959.
Their marquee wedding took place at Pravitha’s home in Horsham Road, Clairwood.
Only 50 of the couple’s closest family attended. Two vegetable curries (beans and potato) and rice were served.
Two years later the couple welcomed their first child into their world, followed by five more.
Their children are Sharitha Rambaran, 53, Shardha Ramnath, 52, Roshanlall, 50, Basil, 48, Ashna Parasotham, 46, and Asha Chetty, 38.
Their happiest moments are spent with their 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Singh worked at Renishaw Sugar Mill as a plumber for over 20 years, and thereafter joined Sezela Sugar Mill for another 21 years as an all-round handyman.
He retired in 1995. Pravitha kept the home fires burning.
After the birth of their son Roshanlall, the couple converted to Christianity.
Pravitha is an active member of Ebenezer Evangelical Church. “I enjoy doing work for the church.”
She adds that household chores, gardening and dressmaking keep her fit. Singh suffered a stroke and spends his time at home.
“I used to love fishing. During my youth I would often fish off Pennington and Umkomaas beaches.”
To ring in their Golden Anniversary the couple celebrated at home with their children. DID you celebrate your Golden Anniversary and would like to share your story with our readers -
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