Love story stands the test of time: Mohan and Basmathie Girdharie celebrate 65 years together

A CHANCE encounter for their loved ones' marriage proposal more than six decades ago, would lead to Mohan Girdharie and his now wife, Basmathie, falling in love at first sight, and on Christmas Day they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  

Basmathie, 83, said she met Girdharie, 87, when he and his cousin arrived at her home in Duffs Road in 1957 for a proposal. 

“His cousin wanted to marry my elder sister. But when Mohan saw me, he went straight to his mother and said he ‘liked the other girl there’. I fell in love with his beautiful green eyes. He was also tall and handsome,” she said. 

Girdharie said: “I thought she was beautiful. From the moment I looked at her, I knew she was the one I wanted to marry. On that same day, my cousin and I both proposed marriage to the sisters.”

Three years later, Girdharie and Basmathie married in a traditional Hindu wedding at her home on December 25 in 1960. 

She wore a beige sari, while Girdharie wore a blue suit. 

Basmathie said following their wedding, she moved to Girdharie’s family home in Inanda. 

“It was hard leaving my dad’s home to live in Inanda where there was no piped water and electricity. I had to go to the river to wash clothes and fill water. I also took care of more than 30 family members who lived in the same house. It was a drastic change from my life prior to marriage, but Mohan was an equal partner who shared in all chores which made it easier to adjust,” she said. 

Girdharie added marriage was a two-way street. 

“I did not believe it was only a woman’s job to cook, clean and take care of the children. I was there to help her in any way possible.” 

Basmathie said during the tough times, they found ways to overcome challenges. 

“While I have no complaints about my marriage, I remember when Mohan lost his job about 40 years ago and at the time I was running a school tuckshop. He came to work alongside me and we worked well together. We also lived comfortably and even built our own home in Inanda where we raised our children.”

The couple, who now reside in Phoenix, have five children: Barry Mohan, who passed away at age 60; Danny Mohan, 63; Ritha Bhagwandeen, 61; Roshnee Debi, 58; and Rani Samsunder, 55. 

They also have 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. 

The couple added that love, respect and trust had been an integral part of their marriage. 

“This is also something we taught our children, who have shared it with the generations that have followed,” said Basmathie. 

Girdharie added: "While marriage is not a bed of roses, if you work together and have love, respect and trust, you can overcome any challenges. You also must not judge each other, but be supportive. It is important to live open and honest lives.” 

The couple said nowadays they enjoyed spending time together watching TV and playing cards and board games such as snakes and ladders. 

To celebrate their anniversary, they spent the day indulging in delicious meals and cutting a cake with loved ones at their home. 

“Every year we celebrate our anniversary at home with the entire family. At our age we prefer to be at home surrounded by our loved ones,” said Basmathie. 

THE POST