It is an emotional scene here at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre as three Centenarians and 17 nonagenarians were honoured by the Auckland Indian Association. Jerambhai Ravjibhai and his wife Gangaben have been married for 81 years.
Another Centenarian honoured was Gajraben Merai. All three of them received special letters of commendation from Prime Minister John Key.
Some of the nonagenarians are in the pink of their health, enjoying their retired lives with their extended families, one of them accounting for 105 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Many recounted their early days in India and New Zealand and their association with Mahatma Gandhi and his Freedom Movement in India. One 94-year-old man said he goes for regular walks and drives his own car.
The certificates and letters of commendations were presented to the recipients by Members of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Parmjeet Parmar (National), Phil Goff (Labour) and Mahesh Bindra (New Zealand First).
A detailed report with more pictures will appear in our next issue.
Venkat Raman from Mahatma Gandhi Centre
Photo Caption: Phil Goff with Centenarian Jerambhai Ravjibhai.
