Celebrating 100 years: the life of Harripersadh Badri Maharaj

HARRIPERSADH Badri “HB” Maharaj, who celebrated his 100th birthday, attributed his longevity to leading a “stress-free life” and being surrounded by his loved ones, especially his great-grandchildren. 

“I feel amazing, and it is all thanks to my family and God.” 

Maharaj, who resides in Overport, celebrated his milestone birthday in grand style and surrounded by his loved ones at The White Boxx in Musgrave on Saturday. 

He was born and lived in what is now known as Kissoon Road in Ottawa, north of Durban, on August 2, 1925. 

His indentured forefathers settled in Ottawa after working in the nearby sugar estates in the late 1890s.

Maharaj, who is one of eight children, attended Verulam Indian School from grades 1 to 8, which he completed in 1939. He thereafter matriculated at Sastri College and attained a teaching diploma. 

He was appointed in his first teaching position at a primary school in Port Shepstone in 1945, where he served for four years. 

In 1949, Maharaj was transferred to the Talwant Singh Primary School in Verulam. He taught here until 1952. A year later, he was transferred to the Westville Hindu Primary School that was managed by the local Sanathan Dharma Sabha and taught there for 14 years. 

Over the next few years, he served at other schools and was later appointed as the deputy principal at Collegevale Primary School, where he served until his retirement in 1985. 

“I really enjoyed my teaching career, especially working with children and helping them to prepare for their future.” 

Maharaj said after his retirement, he continued to volunteer within community organisations such as the Friends of the Sick Association (Fosa) and the Durban Indian Child Welfare Society.

“During the 1950s and 1960s, Fosa members played an important role in promoting the health of the people affected by tuberculosis and providing them with some financial support.” 

From an early age, Maharaj was also involved as a member and official of the Shri Sanathan Dharma Sabha, an affiliate to the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.

Maharaj said shortly after returning to his family home in Ottawa, his parents arranged his marriage with Chinthamoni, who hailed from Umgeni Road.

The couple, who were married in 1950, had four sons. They are Ramesh, 72; Naresh, 70; Suresh, 67; and Vinesh, 64. All of them are businessmen.

His wife of 67 years passed away in 2017. 

Maharaj has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

He said while he could not pinpoint his "secret" to  longevity, he  believed it was due to living a “stress-free” life. 

“I never believed in getting ‘hyped up’ when something went wrong. I tried to resolve a difficult situation by remaining calm and trying to find a solution. I also cannot say there is any specific lifestyle that I lived, except for not smoking.

"I indulge in a glass of whisky or wine to celebrate a special occasion and enjoy good food, but desserts are my favourite. I have a sweet-tooth and will not refuse a piece of cake. However, I do have some ailments but that comes with ageing.”

He added that he started each day with prayer. 

“Before I do anything such as drink water or eat breakfast, I must pray and thank God for giving me another beautiful day to spend with my family. It brings me great joy to have been able to spend time with the fourth generation of my family. My precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren have made my days much brighter. I am grateful to have celebrated my 100th birthday.”

Maharaj added that he spent his day relaxing in his favourite armchair either watching the news on television or reading the newspaper, as well as having a nap.

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