Memories by the ton in
an 86-year
marriage

Now the Bradford couple have celebrated yet another milestone after Mrs Chand turned 100 yesterday, six years on from her husband.

Karam was born in a small rural village in northern India in 1905. He was married at a young age in 1925 by his farming family, which was reflective of customs at that time. Kartari was from the same area.

The Sikh couple had a traditional ceremony and will have been married for 87 years in December.

Mrs Chand, who is expecting a telegram from the Queen soon to match her husband’s of six years ago, spoke about her achievement.

“A hundred years have gone by. It feels like it was yesterday,” she said. “I am very happy and feel very blessed, especially to have my husband still by my side.”

Mr Chand, who brought his family to Bradford in 1965, gave some tips on the secrets of a long life and long marriage.

“I have always enjoyed life to the fullest and that’s the best way to be,” he said.

“I smoke the odd cigarette here and there along with a brandy but I generally don’t overdo it with my food and drink.”

Understandably the Chands have quite a large extended family, with eight children, 27 grandchildren and 23 great- grandchildren.

The couple live in Bradford with their youngest son, Satpal, and his wife and two of their four children.