Mauritius: Mrs Koonwanteea Auchambit, born on 22 January 1923 at Vallée des Prêtres in Port Louis, celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, 22 January 2023, at Gymkhana, Vacoas, in the presence of Members of Parliament, Mrs Subhasnee Luchmun Roy, and Mrs Marie Joanne Sabrina Tour, as well as her family members.
An official ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity to honour the new centenarian. Mrs Auchambit received from the authorities a cheque amounting to Rs 26,203; a centenarian medal; a cookware set; a gift from the Senior Citizens Council; and a cheque to the tune of Rs 10,000 from the National Solidarity Fund.
The centenarian, born Abbana, was the youngest child of her family, and she is the only one to be alive of all her siblings. Her father was of Indian origin, and her mother was a Mauritian, and the couple had 12 children.
Mrs Auchambit has never worked in her life and has never been to school. She got married at the age of 15 to Mr Hiralall Auchambit, who was working as a hawker of goods. From this union, the couple gave birth to one son and four daughters, but unfortunately, her son and two of her daughters passed away.
She has 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She became a widow at the age of 40. By then, she had to rear cows to grow up her children.
She enjoys watching Indian TV serials and eats every type of food, and most of all, she loves drinking tea, eating chocolate and tasting snacks with her great-grandchildren. She is very coquettish and is the oldest lady to go to the beauty parlour in Mauritius. She loves manicures, pedicures and everything that beautifies her.
The centenarian has no medical impairment. She hears and sees very well but walks with some difficulties. She attributes her longevity to her humility, positivity, her open-mindedness, and her care for others.
