An Inspiring Conversation with Shiromani and Raji Anand
I had the privilege of sitting down with Shiromani and Raji Anand, a delightful couple who recently marked a remarkable milestone—their 55th Emerald Wedding Anniversary. As Shiromani approaches her 80th birthday and Raji his 84th, their youthful enthusiasm and enduring love are a testament to the power of true partnership.
Q: Congratulations on your Emerald Anniversary! How did you celebrate this special day?
A: ”We prefer intimate family gatherings,” says Raji. “This year, we celebrated at the Delhi Golf Club with our loved ones. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, stories & warmth.”
Q: Take us back to the beginning. How did you first meet, and what drew you to each other?
A: ”Our marriage was arranged by our families,” recalls Raji. “We didn’t see each other until our engagement. It was a traditional setup, but we were fortunate to find compatibility and love.”
Q: What’s your most treasured memory from the past 55 years?
A: ”Our honeymoon in Nepal and our subsequent trip to Calcutta were unforgettable,” says Shiromani. “We explored the city, savoured local cuisine, and created lifelong memories despite the political unrest at the time,” adds Raji. “Another cherished moment was the birth of our daughter; Raji was with me in the labour room, and we shared that precious moment,” Shiromani adds.
Q: An important lesson you’ve learned from each other?
A: ”Respecting, caring for, and accepting each other as we are,” emphasizes Raji. “We’ve learned to appreciate our differences and find common ground.”
Q: How has your relationship evolved over the years?
A: ”Our bonding and understanding have deepened,” observes Shiromani. “Initially, we had our disagreements, but we’ve grown to appreciate each other’s preferences and interests.”
Q: What’s the most romantic gesture you’ve shared?
A: ”Raji would surprise me by flying from Bombay to meet me after our engagement,” recalls Shiromani with a smile. “Those gestures have kept our spark alive. And we still surprise each other.”
Q: Best gift you’ve given each other?
A: ”Our loving daughter,” they respond in unison. “She’s been our greatest joy and a symbol of our love.”
Q: How has your love grown and evolved over the decades?
A: ”Our love and fondness remain unchanged since day one,” says Shiromani. “We’ve nurtured our relationship, and it continues to flourish.”
Q: How do you support each other’s goals and dreams?
A: ”We share responsibilities and go out of our way to support each other,” explains Raji. “We’ve learned to prioritize our partnership.”
Q: What’s the biggest difference between your relationship now and then?
A: ”We now have more time together, and our companionship has grown stronger,” notes Raji. “We cherish every moment.”
Q: What remains constant despite life’s ups and downs?
A: ”Being there for each other,” emphasizes Shiromani. “That’s the foundation of our relationship.”
Q: How have your children and grandchildren impacted your relationship?
A: ”We share a beautiful bond with our daughter. Our grandchildren’s visits bring immense joy,” shares Raji. “Though they’ve grown and moved abroad, our bond remains strong.”
Q: What values do you hope to pass down to future generations?
A: ”Humility and respect,” they stress. “We believe these values are essential for a happy, fulfilling life.”
Q: What advice would you give to newlyweds?
A: ”Cherish your relationship and practice tolerance with each other,” advises Shiromani. “Communication and understanding are key to a lasting partnership.”
This inspiring couple’s love story serves as a reminder that true partnership endures through life’s joys and challenges.
