Punjabi-origin husband-wife become UK’s oldest couple
Thursday, 12/12/2013
http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
LONDON: An Indian-origin husband and wife, both more than 100 years old, became Britain’s oldest mar ried couple as they celebrated their 88th wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
Karam Chand, 108, and his 101-year-old wife Katari were married in an India still under British rule back in 1925.
They moved to Bradford in northern England in 1965 and count their long marriage as a “real blessing” which has led to eight children, 27 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
“It’s important to have no secrets, and not to argue,” the husband told the Daily Express newspaper when asked about the secret of their long and happy marriage.
“We are so happy together, and it is a dream come true to celebrate another year of marriage. Being married for all these years is a real blessing. We are so proud of all of our family and we love celebrating with them all,” he added.
The Punjabi couple lives with their youngest son Satpal and his wife and two of their four children.
Chand admits to smoking one cigarette a day before his evening meal and drinks a small measure of whisky or brandy up to four times a week.
“Eat and drink what you want but in moderation. I have never held back from enjoying my life. Every day is a gift and we must cherish it,” he explains.
Chand is unable to walk much without assistance and needs more care than his wife, who still has her own teeth and remains active.
“When you get so old your eyesight and hearing starts to get weaker and you ache more when moving about. But considering our age and the hard work we have undertaken during our lives, we’re not doing so bad,” she said, as the couple prepared for their wedding anniversary celebrations surrounded by friends and family.
“We know that we are blessed and are eternally grateful for God giving us this land and our lives, but we will be ready to go when it’s time as we have lived a very good life,” she added.
