‘It was love at first sight’

MANIRAM and Sheromoney Jaglal, a Resevoir Hills couple, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Sunday.

Maniram, 72, and Sheromoney, 69, commemorated the occasion with a photo shoot at their favourite park, the Durban Botanical Gardens, and an anniversary celebration with their family.

Maniram said: “It was a Sunday morning in 1970 when I accompanied my friend to his in-laws’ home. He was married to one of the elder daughters, Sheromoney’s sister.

“When I saw my beloved wife cooking food on an outside fire, she caught my eye. We did not have the opportunity to speak at that time, but it was definitely love at first sight.

“The next day I returned to speak to her mum, father and two elder brothers. I expressed great interest in Sheromoney. At this time she did not know that I enquired about her.

“My dad and brothers visited her family to approve and proceed further. A few weeks later our wedding was set for 10 October 1971.”

Maniram was 22 and Sheromoney was 19 at the time.

After the wedding invitations were sent out, they were allowed to go on their first date. Maniram took her to the cinema in Victoria Street. They watched the Bollywood movie, Geet.

“To date, the famous love song from that movie, Mere Mithwa, is our song,” he said.

Their wedding was a traditional Hindu ceremony which took place at Sheromoney’s home in Merebank.

“I entered the jewellery manufacturing industry in 1967. My wife’s wedding jewellery was designed and handmade by me. I later opened my own business in 1979.

“The family business is now run by my two sons. After the wedding, we lived with my family in Springfield,” Maniram said.

Sheromoney said life was not easy and they made many sacrifices over the years.

“Maniram’s wages were minimal but, with simple and humble living, we managed. We experienced trials and hardships, but we have endured and persevered. We now lead a peaceful life filled with successes and accomplishments.

“We also travelled and visited many tourist destinations both locally and internationally. Our highlights of the years include our annual month-long holiday to Mauritius. We have many friends there,” she said.

They have three children and eight grandchildren. Two grandchildren have passed on.

In their spare time, Sheromoney enjoys reading, sewing and baking, while Maniram loves walking, listening to music and gardening.

The couple enjoy long Sunday morning walks on the beach. They also go to the park and used to frequent the cinema, prior to Covid-19.

Sheromoney said: “Our secret to a long lasting marriage is trust and commitment to each other. We value each other’s thoughts and feelings. We have a mutual love and respect for each other, as well as others.

“We advise other couples to put God first in their marriage. They should support each other’s dreams, compromise and ensure they are happy. They should discuss issues and help each other. Try not to give up easily at the first signs of hardship and trouble.”