Phoenix resident, Chanderwathy Lakraj Sewkisson, recently marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 100th birthday with family, friends, and well-wishers at the Taj Conference Centre in Clayside.
At the celebration held on Saturday, 13 July, Mrs Sewkisson reflected on a life filled with rich heritage and unwavering love. The centenarian was born on 9 July 1924 in Durban, and her lineage traces back to India where her grandparents immigrated from to work in the sugarcane fields in South Africa.
Affectionately known as “Ma” to her children and anyone who meets her, Sewkisson is the second of four children born to her parents. She grew up in Redhill and attended school until Standard 3 (Grade 5).
Mrs Sewkisson left school owing to her parents’ untimely passing and stayed home where she worked on the farm in Groenberg, Inanda. Her journey in life took a wonderful turn when she married Mr Lakraj on Valentine’s Day in 1941.
Together, they raised nine children in their family home on Centre Road in Sea Cow Lake. “My older sister and I married two brothers, and we were married in Malacca Road, Redhill,” she recalled, cherishing the 55 years spent with her husband before his passing.
Now a proud grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 27, Sewkisson currently resides with her daughter, Meena Boodoo, in Woodview, Phoenix. Her secret to a long and fruitful life is disciplined healthy eating and rigorous hard work as exercise.
“Ma is accustomed to being independent and self-sufficient, however, since the age of 97, it became more challenging for her to manage owing to her health deteriorating. Currently, I support her with her daily routine. She wakes up around 8am; takes a bath, prays, and has breakfast at 8.30am. My mother is very disciplined and particular about her eating, she must have her meals at specific times of the day and is strict about what she eats. She does not consume anything sweet and recently prefers vegetable dishes over non-vegetarian ones. Her favourite food is dhall and rice, though she sometimes enjoys prawns and rice,” said Boodoo.
Passionate about cleanliness and punctuality, Sewkisson has instilled these values in her family, fostering a close-knit dynamic. Though she has recently embraced comfort in caftans, she always maintained her elegance, often seen in her beautiful saris.
Her love for Hindi prayers and spiritual music continues to be a significant part of her daily life, alongside a fondness for dancing in her younger years. As she celebrates this centennial milestone, Mrs Sewkisson’s legacy shines through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward the values she has instilled.
Her story is one of resilience, discipline, and a profound commitment to family with a rich heritage making her a true inspiration to all who know her. As she celebrates her 100th birthday, her family and friends honour not just the years she has lived but the wisdom, grace, and strength she embodies.
“Happy 100th birthday, Mrs Sewkisson. Here’s to celebrating an extraordinary life and the lasting impact of a remarkable woman.”
