Mrs Petchaye Moonien, born on 29 December 1923, reached a milestone birthday, yesterday, as she turned 100 years old. In this context, an official ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security, and National Solidarity to honour the last centenarian of the year 2023, in Petit Raffray.
The Member of the National Assembly, Mr Rajanah Dhaliah; other personalities, and her relatives were present on the occasion. The centenarian was gifted, from the authorities, a cheque amounting to Rs 26 203; a bouquet; a centenarian medal; a certificate; an air fryer; a special telephone from Mauritius Telecom; a gift from the Senior Citizens Council; and a cheque to the tune of Rs 10 000 from the National Solidarity Fund.
Mrs Moonien, also known as Panjalay, did not attend school but did cattle rearing and gardening. Her father, Mr Sobaye Armoogum, was a labourer at St Antoine Sugar Estate while her mother, Mrs Ayamah Yempermal, was a housewife. The centenarian hails from a family of four boys and four girls. Two of her sisters are still alive.
On 09 September 1980, she got married to Mr Petchaymootoo Moonien, who worked as a mill driver at Belle Vue Harel Sugar Estate. He passed away on 09 October 2002. The centenarian was blessed with 11 children, six sons and five daughters, 23 grandchildren and, 19 great-grandchildren.
The centenarian is flexitarian and is fond of watching television and listening to the radio. She enjoys good health except for partial deafness and is lucid and mobile. Mrs Moonien attributes her long life to her unconditional faith in God and prayers.
