105-year-old war veteran and wife mark 75th wedding anniversary in Sungratsu | Imrongkumba Aier

In a remarkable testament to love, commitment, and longevity, Senlila and Mering Ao celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, February 11. The couple marked the occasion with a private family luncheon at their humble residence in Sungratsu Village, Mokokchung, surrounded by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close family friends.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the centenarian couple shared words of wisdom for young couples, emphasizing the importance of commitment in marriage. “Love, trust, sacrifice, patience, and faith are essential. Marriage grows stronger through challenges, devotion, and God’s grace,” they advised.

Mering Ao met Senlila while serving in the 3rd Assam Rifles. The two were married on February 11, 1950, at Sungratsu Baptist Church. Born in 1920, Mering Ao—whose birth name is Meriangen—was raised in Sungratsu as the only son of Bendangangshi Aier and Yashimenla Mollier. His wife, Senlila—born as Senliangla Jamir—was the eldest of nine siblings, born to Senkalemba Jamir and Waimongla Longchar.

Ao had a distinguished military career marked by bravery and valor, earning him the Shaurya Chakra.

He joined the 3rd Assam Rifles in the winter of 1941 and served for 19 years, participating in significant military operations, including the Battle of Kohima, the Burma Campaign during World War II, and counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeastern Region of India.

Recalling his wartime experiences, Ao said that in 1942, as World War II intensified, the Japanese invasion of Burma (now Myanmar) posed a significant threat to India. In response, the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles formed the Victoria Force (V-Force).

“From early 1942, V-Force advanced to the Irrawaddy River, where we fought against the Japanese forces. The battle lasted nearly a month, and I narrowly escaped death. Amid the hail of bullets and mortars on the riverbank, I was able to save some of my fellow soldiers. After the war, I was promoted to Havildar in 1949,” he recounted.

In 1956, under Ao’s command, his section launched an attack on Sanglao, a border settlement between Burma and Nagaland where hostile forces were stationed. “We compelled the hostile forces to retreat, and for this successful mission, I was awarded the Ashoka Chakra Class III (Shaurya Chakra) in 1960,” he said.

After serving the nation for many years, Ao was honorably discharged in 1960 with a full pension. “I have been receiving my pension for 65 years. My wife and I have been blessed with long, healthy lives. As a World War II veteran who served during wartime, I believe I am entitled to a war allowance,” he added.

According to their grandchildren, Senlila is highly health-conscious and always includes a variety of fruits in her diet, making fruits a staple after every meal. They expressed their amazement at witnessing a centenarian couple reach their diamond jubilee.

One grandchild noted with astonishment that both elders still read the Bible without spectacles. “It’s incredible to see Grandpa still splitting firewood at over 100 years old, while Grandma dyes her hair by herself,” they shared.

Recognizing their longevity, the Sungratsu Baptist Church and the Sungratsu Village Council have officially declared them the oldest man and woman in the village. At 105 years old, Mering Ao and his 100-year-old wife, Senlila, are blessed with two daughters, two sons, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

During the programme, the Sungratsu Village Council stated that Ao’s distinguished military career has placed Sungratsu among the ranks of bravery and valor among the patriots of this nation. They also sought blessings from the centenarian couple for the new Putu Menden of Sungratsu.

Sungratsu Baptist Church pastor I. Kilen Longchar also remarked that a 75th wedding anniversary is a significant milestone for a married couple. He urged the congregation to reflect on whether they are living up to the expectations of their Creator by upholding His commandments, maintaining sanctity, and thirsting for righteousness.

(The writer, Imrongkumba Aier, is a correspondent for Eastern Mirror)

MT