Couple goals: Forty years of marriage, shared with their village in Karnataka

Haveri: Forty years of marriage and a lifetime of labour found expression not in a closed-door celebration, but in open grounds and shared laughter, as Manohar and Kusuma Gondi chose to mark the milestone with sport, care and companionship for seniors in their village.Manohar Gondi, 67, who sold clothes in the weekly markets of Hanagal taluk for 35 years, is now settled in his native Akki Alur in Haveri district. To mark his ‘Shashtyabdhi' (60th birthday) and the couple's 40th marriage anniversary, Gondi and his wife, Kusuma, 65, organised a sports meet and a free eye check-up camp for senior citizens on Saturday.Speaking to TOI, the couple said the eye check-up camp was held for 30 senior citizens ahead of their wedding anniversary this week. "Twenty-two of them were referred to Shankar Eye Hospital, Shivamogga, for surgery. We organised a sports meet for our fellow citizens just to inspire them to live happily. Since we have gained sufficient from society, and it was our small return gift to our surroundings," they said.They said they had donated blood 4 to 5 times before reaching age 65. "Inspired by our son Karabasappa, who is now a police constable, we started to donate blood recently. We also created awareness about blood donation on our wedding anniversary," they said.Their daughter, Nagaratna Kuppasta, said the family also recreated her parents' 1986 wedding by organising the ceremony in the same manner, including Mangalya Dharana and other rituals. "Through this, we attempted to revive family values in our village," she said.As part of the celebrations, sports events suitable for seniors — zigzag walk, both-hand ball throw, biscuit eating and volleyball target throw — were organised. "About 25 senior citizens, including five women, participated in sports enthusiastically," Nagaratna said.GB Koti, 87, a retired teacher, said it was an enthralling experience to participate in the events in the presence of youths and children. "The Gondi family is well known in the surrounding villages as Manohar sold clothes there. Since they invited their friends and relatives, it turned into a public event," he said.VK Babaji, 85, a retired medical officer, and SS Muramatti, 84, a retired teacher, said the Gondi couple pledged to donate their bodies in 2015 and are giving back to society to the fullest extent possible.