Golden couple celebrate 50 years of marriage
It was love at first sight for Inderlall (Lytey) and Gita Ramjiawan when they first met at his brother's wedding more than 50 years ago. The mutual sparks of chemistry that flew between them all those years ago, culminated in the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary last month.
Their 50 years of wedded bliss was initially ignited when Lytey fell in love with his sister-in-law's sister. The relationship blossomed when they began communicating with each other. Gita realised that they were made for each other when he responded to her first letter.
Lytey was born on May 27, 1950 in Pinetown and Gita on July 3, 1950 in Edendale. Lytey attended the Pinetown Indian Government School while Gita schooled at the Mount Partridge Arya Samaj State-aided Indian School and later at PMB Indian Girls' High.
Lytey entered the business trade and was self employed as a professional draughts person and building contractor. Gita was employed as a Hindi teacher for the Department of Education and for the Arya Samaj Hindi Paatshala. She worked at many schools in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding towns, including Thornville Primary, Richmond Primary, W A Lewitt Primary, Northlands Primary, Greenhill Primary as well as the Raisethorpe Arya Samaj and the Mount Partridge Arya Samaj.
They tied the knot at a grand Vedic ceremony on March 18, 1973 in Edendale. Approximately 1000 guests witnessed the pair exchange their wedding vows.
The marriage has been blessed with three children and eight grandchildren.
They are both involved in community activities. Gita is a pundit serving the community and honorary life president of the Mount Partridge Arya Samaj, while Lytey is a member of the same Samaj.
After relatively long careers, Lytey retired in 2022 and Gita retired at the age of 60.
The couple keep active by engaging in various hobbies and activities. Gita enjoys cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, reading and listening to music, while Lytey keeps himself occupied by singing (Qawali and bhajans), listening to music and architectural drawing.
They attribute their long and happy marriage to their mutual respect for one another.
"A lot of patience, understanding, tolerance, communication, love and dedication are the hallmarks of a happy marriage. Also, don't go to bed without talking to each other and always work together," they said.
Their philosophy of life is to have faith in God and to always put Him first. " Serve society, have love and compassion for everyone and do good every chance you get," they added.
Kiara Ramjiawan, one of the eight grandchildren, said that her grandparents have impacted their lives by teaching them respect, humility and selflessness.
"They have shown us how to handle anything that life throws at us, be it good or bad and how to always have a smile on our faces no matter what we are going through.
"They have been a pillar of strength for us. We have learnt a lot about our religion and traditional music from them. We will always be grateful to them for showing us that life can be so fulfilling by just doing good every step of the way.
"We all hope to age as gracefully as they have and sincerely thank them for all the life lessons and their endless blessings and guidance," said Kiara.
The Ramjiawan's message to the younger generation is to be strong, patient and to push through any obstacles and challenges.
"Marriage is not a bed of roses. It requires a lot of patience, understanding, love and trust, and the key to having a happy marriage is communication," they said.