Mauritius: Kistnamah Soomien, also known as Nani Raju has joined the centenarian club of Mauritius. The newest member of the 100 year old club was born on 13 May 1924.
She celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday at Vilna Hall in Long Mountain. The birthday celebration was attended by several members of her family who shared the happiness of the centenarian.
Dignitaries from the Mauritian government including the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard were also present. They extended their best wishes to Nani Raju on her the special day.
The government officials who were present at the event gave several gifts to the new centenarian to commemorate the new day
The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity presented the 100 year old a cheque amounting to Rs 26,203. Additionally, they gave her a flower bouquet, a centenarian medal along with a certificate and a microwave.
Meanwhile, the Senior Citizens Council gave her a special present, along with a cash gift amounting to Rs 10,000 from the National Solidarity Fund. She also received a Special Telephone Service from the Mauritius Telecom.
Kistnamah Soomien was born at Ruisseau Rose in Long Mountain. Her mother, Chinnamooniamah Coolen, was a housemaid and her father, Permal Soomien, worked as a labourer. Further, She had two sisters and three brothers.
The centenarian got religiously married to her husband Hurrynanun Auckloo who worked as a cabinet maker. The couple had a total of eight children, including five sons and three daughters together.
Hurrynanun Auckloo passed away in 1967. Notably, Soomien also worked as a labourer at the Nouvelle Industrie Sugar Estate. Soomien has 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.
Talking about the secret of her long life, she attributes her wellness to her unconditional belief in God and to prayers.
As at 13 May 2024, Mauritius counted 171 centenarians, among whom 29 men, and 142 women. Rodrigues counted 12 centenarians among whom four men, and eight women.
