A love that’s stood test of time
WHILE arranged marriages were the norm 50 years ago, Ladysmith couple Koorchand and Nirmala Pandoy decided to marry without the meddling of parents and relatives.
They met at an inter-school sports event in Ladysmith. Nirmala had travelled with her school from Newcastle.
“It was love at first sight. It is very hard to describe the feeling,” said a shy Koorchand, now 72. “But the feelings were mutual and instant.”
Nirmala, who was 17 at the time, said she also fell in love with the 22-year-old, who was a spectator.
“It’s hard to say what I liked about him. It was probably most of his qualities but I now know he was the best choice because we have celebrated 50 years together.”
The couple wasted no time telling their parents about their feelings for each other and their intention to marry.
“Within six months we tied the knot,” said Koorchand, who is also known as Jimmy.
They married on January 14,1967, at Nirmala’s parents’ home in Newcastle. Their marquee-style wedding was graced by 200 guests, who were served vegetable breyani, dhall, salad and soji.
In November last year, they travelled to the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, where they renewed their marital vows.
“A priest performed a hawan and we renewed our vows. It was very spiritual and we both felt blessed we had the opportunity to do that,” said Nirmala.
She used to run a business, sourcing garments from India and selling them back home but called it quits five years ago.
“But I thoroughly enjoyed the trips to India once a year.”
Koorchand worked at the gas company, Paradise Store, for three decades before retiring.
In their retirement, they do household chores together and spoil their eight grandchildren at every opportunity.
“They are the light of our lives,” remarked 67-year-old Nirmala proudly.
Koorchand, an avid fisherman, loves the outdoors.
They say they have experienced their fair share of ups and downs.
“But we never gave up on the marriage and ran to our parents’ home. We sorted it out. Nowadays, couples want to be right. There is no compromise.”
Koorchand advised couples to never hold a grudge. “Sleep on it and forget it.” The couple have four children, Nishi, 49, Nerusha, 46, Najetha, 44, and Shamal, 37. They held a golden anniversary bash for their parents at the Mountview Hotel in Ladysmith last month.
Celebrating 50 years or more of marriage? E-mail: post@inl.co.za