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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 14 February 2020

For this 72-year-old couple, it will be their first Valentine’s Day celebration this year. Nothing private, just a small party with friends. Read about their romance,  fitness rituals and staying healthy together.

For Navanita and Govardhan Parmar love and affection has always been a close part of their life. Thirty-five years ago, they both met at a banking class and fell in love. Both were bankers and had a large common ground to converse.

“She was lovely and lively,” he said.

“He was mature and good-natured,” she remarked.

Together, they shared great bonhomie. She was 37, unmarried, not closed to finding a life companion. He was four months older to her, a widower with a young son.

Just right for each other

“We just thought we were right for each other,” he said. “I didn’t go down on my knees. We were sitting in a restaurant, when I proposed to her.”

They got married in 1985, and happily settled into their new life, while continuing their jobs in the bank. She embraced his son, Ripple, lovingly and raised him like her own. A year after marriage, they had a daughter.

Years rolled by. Both the Parmars retired, but remained super active, enthusiastically pursuing their passions.

Post retirement plans

After Navanita retired as a bank employee, she was eager to get involved with some voluntary social work. Through her network, she found a vacancy for the post of a teacher in a school for children with intellectual disabliity. “I have been teaching at Shashi Manglyam Special School for the last 19 years,” she said. She also teaches spoken English to slum children in the neighbourhood and maths to underprivileged children. Since she has done her MA in Statistics, she loves maths and numbers.

“Besides being involved in academics, I also teach dance once a week to senior citizens at College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan. I am a trained Bharat Natyam dancer. I started learning dance at age 44, along with my daughter. At 54, I had my Arangetram or debut stage performance.”

Govardhan, or Girvan as she warmly addresses him, on the other hand, is passionate about yoga. He learnt the famous Yogoda Satsanga Sakha of Ranchi and practices it regularly. He spends two hours every morning doing yoga, exercises and meditation. The rest of the day, he is active in the house. He loves spending time cooking and finds it relaxing. “He is a very good cook, totally hands-on in the kitchen,” she informs. “He can make rice, roti, dal and assorted vegetables. But his speciality is biryani. He makes delicious biryani.”

It is Govardhan who purchases the daily household provisions and vegetables. He sold his car after retirement, and prefers to walk now. “All my needs are met on foot,” he states. “As a result, I land up walking almost 8-10 kms every day. I enjoy every step I take.”

I think I have passed on this habit and thinking to my son. He is based in London. He cycles 10 kms to office every day.

Our daughter too has got our spirit and stamina. She dabbles in various activities. She is a fashion designer, choreographer and photographer.

Believe in simplicity

The Parmars lead a simple life. They prefer to eat healthy home food. When they dine out occasionally, they order idlis. Sometimes, they go for movies together. The last one they saw was ‘Bala’. Govardhan, who used to never dance, has picked up a few steps from his wife. Now they participate in the garba folk dance and have even won some competitions.

“By the grace of god, we are both in good physical condition,” said Navanita. “My first health concern occurred last year, when I was detected with borderline blood pressure. Otherwise, I have no diabetes, arthritis or any other health problems. Govardhan too keeps absolutely fit. People get surprised that at his age, he is not on any medicines. I also play some games at night like Sudoku, solve some puzzles to keep my brain active.

The magic mantra for the Parmars for being in good shape is to never retire. “Keep yourself busy and lead a simple, disciplined life,” is their secret philosophy. They also steadfastly believe that it is the duty of parents to set good examples for the children, if they want the next generation to shape up well.

Finally, the Parmars wish to express their sentiments for each other on Valentine’s Day. “Even though we are 72 today, our feelings for each other continues to grow. Nita is as beautiful today as when I first set my eyes on her in the banking class. I love her as dearly,” says Govardhan.

Navanita is quick to add, “Actually, we express our affection and love for each other, whenever we want to. We don’t wait for a particular day.”