Archarys enjoy five decades of marriage

HAPPY and still in love are words that best describe a Northdene couple who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, 2 January.

Vignass and Rookoonuw Archary described their wedding day as a day that happened ‘a long time ago’ and said their union had its challenges as much as its triumphs. “We married young and we have had ups and downs in our marriage,” said Vignass.

The Archarys celebrated their golden jubilee anniversary in style.”We filled up two buses and went on an excursion to Cape Town and had a family gathering. It was lovely. We also got to see my daughter and grandchildren there,” said Rookoonuw. They have four children and 10 grandchildren.

Vignass and Rookoonuw met through a cousin’s friend. “I met her parents before I met her and I tell you, when I did, it was love at first sight. I would visit the family every week, that’s how we got to see each other. And if I hadn’t gone one week, she would mark the calendar and there would be trouble,” he said jokingly.

They agree that the best time of their lives was when they became parents and had the new responsibilities of raising children. Vignass said they had no secret to being married for so long. “I’m very open with my wife, we talk about everything.” He said marrying young was his best advice to young couples. “I was 25 years old and my wife was 18 when we married and we’ve enjoyed a life together. To the young stars, marry young and enjoy life together,” he advised.

Rookoonuw enjoyed tending to her house and insisted on keeping it neat and tidy while Vignass’ hobbies include walking every morning to keep fit and ensuring his garden is perfectly manicured.

Their daughter-in-law, Prebashnee, said she and her husband looked up to them. “My in-laws are definitely an inspiration to us, we would love to get as far as they have because 50 years of marriage is a milestone,” she said.