One of the oldest people in Australia to hold passport to attend his great-grandson’s wedding

SHANKERAL Trivedi is one of the oldest people to hold a passport in Australian history — and, at 105, he is getting ready to jet off to India this month for his great-grandson’s wedding.

105-year-old Shankeral Trivedi holds his passport as he poses for a photo at home in Kellyville, Sydney, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017. Picture: Joel Carrett

SHANKERAL Trivedi is one of the oldest people to hold a passport in Australian history — and he is set to jet off to India this month for his great-grandson’s wedding.

The 105-year-old Kellyville resident will travel to the border of Rajasthan, India, to the state of Gurajat, where he spent more than 80 years of his life.

“I am very excited to travel back to India for my great grandson’s wedding,” Mr Trivedi told the Times.

“I am very happy to see relatives and friends.

“But I also want to make sure that my house is still neat and tidy while I am there for the celebrations as well.”

Trivedi has applied for a passport to head off to India this month, and could be the oldest Australian to do so. Picture: Joel Carrett

Mr Trivedi has two children, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren and moved to Australia 16 years ago.

Mr Trivedi’s son Jagdish said: “He renewed his passport about 15 days ago.

“The wedding will be held in Gurajat, which is about 500km from Mumbai and on the border of Rajasthan and Pakistan.

“He will be staying there for two to three weeks, depending on his health.”

Jagdish said his father’s last trip home was after his 100th birthday.

“We aren’t sure whether he will fly again after this, even this trip itself is risky,” he said. “He looks OK and is as healthy as the next person but we need to make sure he is safe.

“This could be his last trip home.”

105-year-old Shankeral Trivedi with his son Jagdish. Picture: Joel Carrett

Indian weddings are usually celebrated between four and seven days but Mr Trivedi said this event would be held over two days.

“Not many people will be attending the wedding,” he said. “There will probably be about 300 people celebrating.”

Mr Trivedi’s son said his father travelled around the world and visited the US, East Africa and New Zealand before moving to Australia.

“He travelled extensively throughout India during his life as well,’’ he said.

This could be Mr Trivedi’s last trip to India to see relatives. Picture: Joel Carrett

The oldest passport holder in Australia is 106.

Extravagant wedding invitation

The Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne and councillors Elizabeth Russo and Frank De Masi joined Clare De Masi and Christina Celestin, of Kellyville Post Office, as well as Australia Post state manager Christine Walker for the handing over of his Mr Trivedi’s passport.

Cr De Masi and his wife Clare, who own Kellyville Post Office, said they were convinced the resident was the oldest in The Hills shire.

Mr Trivedi will fly out on Monday