A unique bonding

A unique bonding

To be loved and being in a state of bliss for more than fifty years is a profound feeling that is becoming a novelty nowadays. Life seems to be beautiful only if you know and understand each other and stand through thick and thin. Here is a couple Narasimha Swamy and Parvathi who have spent more than five decades together and still continue to enjoy and face life, be it a complex or an easy situation.

An extraordinary personality, Narasimha Swamy who is now a fit, lively, and energetic eighty plus feels thrilled with what life has given him and says cheerfully, “I have tried to fulfill all her desires to the best of my abilities." While his wife Parvathi said, “It has been a joyful 58 long years albeit with many ups and downs. God seems to have favored us but it is the unconditional love, affection and understanding between us that we are still together."

Living life on his own terms and principles, Narasimha Swamy's life is an open saga of achievements. An Indian Revenue officer, he worked in the Customs and Excise department for 35 years in various capacities and served in many backward areas of the country. After his retirement in 1987, he was felicitated in 1990 and rewarded Rs 40,000 by the then Union Finance Minister Madhu Dandavate for his meritorious services.

Recollecting his arduous experiences, he reveals, “While on official visits to villages that stretched a week, we hired horses and camels for traveling in areas like Chincholi and Chittapur taluk of Gulbarga district, as there was no connectivity. We had to survive only on biscuits and hot beverages as well as the kharak roties."

A true Gandhian, Narasimha Swamy was a role model to all his colleagues in the department. Ever since his childhood, he was inspired by his father to wear only Khadi. Therefore, he wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance seeking permission to wear Khadi Khaki uniform to the office. Till his retirement in 1987, he wore Khadi to office. And, that habit continues till date. Apart from this, every Independence and Republic day, he hoists the National Flag without fail.

76-year-old-Parvathi is highly talented and keeps herself busy with a range of activities.

She makes crepe paper garlands, garland fringe and flowers, knitting sweaters and shawls, designing table clothes, curtains and also stitching blouses, petticoats and frocks. Apart from that, during her free time, she updates her knowledge from newspapers and magazines.

Recalling the initial days of her marriage when they were based in Ankali, Belgaum district, she says, “It was hell of a time those three years. There was no electricity, water supply or toilets in the entire village. Nowadays, the cost of living is very high while during the olden days, it was affordable and peaceful."

Today, the couple lead a happy and contented life surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Their son Ravi states, "They are a role model to everyone in our family. My father is rather a simple man leading a disciplined life. So far, he has never allowed us to celebrate his birthdays or anniversaries, as he is very much opposed to such rituals." While his grandson Abhishek said, “My grandfather is a man of principles and I know that he has struggled a lot to come up in life while my grandma is a great host, interested in cooking a variety of dishes, sweets and snacks."

"We survived the Koynanagar earthquake of 1967, the destructive earthquake that claimed more than 100 human lives and it is God's grace that we have lived to tell this tale," says the octogenarian and wistfully Swamy says, “God has been kind to us and we have led an exceptionally good life. We don't know about our future, but can only ponder on the good aspects of our lives."

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The New Indian Express
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