I feel amazing, says 100-year-old ‘HB’ Maharaj

'STRESS-FREE LIFE'

- NADIA KHAN

HARRIPERSADH Badri “HB” Maharaj, who celebrated his 100th birthday, attributed his longevity to leading a “stress-free life” and being surrounded by his loved ones, especially his great-grandchildren.

“I feel amazing, and it is all thanks to my family and God.”

Maharaj, who lives in Overport, celebrated his milestone birthday in grand style, surrounded by his loved ones at The White Boxx in Musgrave on Saturday.

He was born and lived in what is now known as Kissoon Road in Ottawa, north of Durban, on August 2, 1925.

Maharaj’s indentured forefathers settled in Ottawa after working in the nearby sugar estates in the late 1890s.

He is one of eight children, and attended Verulam Indian School from grades 1 to 8, which he completed in 1939. He thereafter matriculated at Sastri College and attained a teaching diploma.

Maharaj was appointed in his first teaching position at a primary school in Port Shepstone in 1945, where he served for four years.