UITVLUGT resident, Etwaroo Pabaroo fondly called “Sanchari Mai” yesterday celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by close relatives.

Sanchari Mai with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildrenSanchari Mai is very alert for her age and has no medical complaints other than the fact that she is not able to walk due to a fractured hip she suffered from a fall two years ago. Nevertheless, her eyesight, hearing and speech are commendable.
Her granddaughter, Krishna noted that while she and her children all wear spectacles, Sanchari Mai has no problems with her sight. She even demonstrated by asking her the colour of her rag, to which she responded quite positively “blue.”
Sanchari Mai was born on the small island of Leguan and was married at the tender age of 12. It was then that she moved to Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara where she worked at the sugar estate as a weeder and cane cutter. During her lifetime, she also worked in rice fields and reared cattle.
Sanchair Mai mothered three children, two sons and a daughter and has outlived her husband, children and siblings. She also has 15 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 26 great great grandchildren.
Her other granddaughter, Golyn, advised that while her memory is not very good, she knows her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she lives with. Golyn also noted that Sanchari Mai never forgets her parents, both of whom came to the then British Guiana as indentured labourers from India.
When asked who her parents are, she stated confidently, “Mangru and Hagmania”.
Sanchari Mai celebrated her 102nd birthday with a small get-together with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.