100 years and going strong
IN April 1917, World War I was still raging, communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin was calling for Soviets to take power during the Russian Revolution, and future world icon Nelson Mandela was more than a year away from being born.
Pravathy Narainsamy made her entry into the world at this time. On Sunday, the Clare Estate great-great-grandmother joined family and friends to celebrate becoming a centenarian.
Narainsamy said the secrets to her longevity were three simple things: prayer, not causing harm and being good to everyone.
Dressed in a blue and white dress with a bold pink sash saying, ‘‘It’s My Birthday’’, and wearing a bright smile, she was in good spirits, surrounded by her 10 children, 31 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren at the Eagle’s Wings Nursing Home.
Born on April 16, 1917, Narainsamy grew up in Clairwood. At the age of 16 she married Narainsamy Naidoo. The couple moved to Duffs Road, and her husband worked for a printing company while she did the laundry for a restaurant chain outlet.
“In those days we had to get married at a young age. I was lucky because my husband loved me and he was good to me. We respected each other and we raised our children together,” she said.
Her saddest moment was when Naidoo died in 1984.
“I still think of him and I miss him dearly. But I am thankful to God for his protection and for keeping me well for so many years.
“I suffer from arthritis and I need assistance to have a bath. I also need someone to prepare my meals. I moved into the home so I can have that assistance,” said Narainsamy.
She spends her days with her grandchildren, sewing and giving her friends in the nursing home cooking tips.
“Just give me fabric and I will sew anything from a skirt to a top,” she said with a laugh.
Although she does not cook she knows many Indian recipes.
Narainsamy said that she was concerned about the youth. She said she always advised the younger children in her family to live good lives.
“Don’t take a bad name, care for your mother and father,” she said.