Political leaders praise the innovative approach which has connected 110 couples
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In an era marked by rising inflation and extravagant wedding expenditures, a remarkable initiative in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur city stands out as a beacon of social responsibility and community support. For the past nine years, the ‘Marwar Sheikh Syed Mughal Pathan Vikas Sansthan’ has been facilitating marriages for economically disadvantaged families in the Muslim community for just one rupee.
This initiative has not only connected 110 couples but has also garnered appreciation from political leaders and administrators for its innovative approach towards addressing societal challenges.
Founded in 2002 by Haji Hamim Bakhsh, the organisation initially aimed to assist families living below the poverty line who were unable to afford marriage expenses for their children. The concept of conducting marriages for a nominal fee of one rupee emerged as a practical solution to counter the excessive costs associated with traditional weddings, which often burden lower middle class families disproportionately.
The organisation has successfully arranged marriages for approximately 150 couples to date. It plans to host its 10th mass marriage event on October 20, 2024. Each year, 15 to 20 couples benefit from this initiative, getting not only the opportunity to solemnise their marriage but also receive essential household items and bridal makeup kits as gifts. This support goes beyond financial assistance, aiming to enhance the social and economic well-being of the newlyweds and their families.
Central to the success of this initiative is the collective effort of 140 members within the Muslim community who financially support the marriages.
This collaborative approach underscores the community’s commitment to social welfare and solidarity.
The initiative has received acclaim from prominent political figures, including former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje, who have commended the organisation’s efforts through letters of appreciation. This recognition highlights the initiative’s role in promoting responsible spending habits and advocating against ostentatious displays often associated with weddings.
Beyond facilitating marriages, the organisation addresses broader social issues such as excessive wedding expenditures and financial strain on lower middle class families. By providing essential household items and catering to up to 15,000 guests during mass marriage events, the organisation promotes community cohesion and alleviates economic pressures on vulnerable families.
Despite its successes, the initiative faces ongoing challenges, including sustaining financial support and expanding its reach to more needy families. Moving forward, the organisation aims to amplify its impact by raising awareness about responsible spending in weddings and encouraging similar initiatives across Rajasthan and beyond.
The ‘Marwar Sheikh Syed Mughal Pathan Vikas Sansthan’ exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven initiatives in addressing societal inequalities. By offering marriages for one rupee, the organisation not only celebrates love and companionship but also advocates for financial prudence and social inclusion. As it prepares for its upcoming mass marriage event, the organisation continues to inspire hope and solidarity, setting a precedent for compassionate community action in the face of economic challenges.
This initiative serves as a reminder that even small contributions can catalyse significant social change, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society.
