BENGALURU: Bringing a meaningful difference in the lives of the underprivileged section of the society, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of SOBHA Limited, Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, organised this year’s second edition of dowry-less social wedding ceremony at Palakkad in Kerala recently. The wedding, which is conducted twice a year, saw 20 couples tie the knot during the ceremony.
Aimed at supporting girls from economically weaker section of the society, the Trust bears the entire expense of the wedding. Under this initiative, 40 girls are married through this programme every year.
Speaking on the occasion, JC Sharma, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, SOBHA Limited said, “We, at SOBHA, believe that arranging dowry-less weddings is very transformative in nature. It will help eradicate dowry as an anathema of the society on one hand and empower women on the other. Dowry-less weddings will bring a holistic change in the society. With 610 girls being married under this program till date, we want to set a unique example towards eradicating the malpractice of dowry and bring a positive change in people’s mindset.”
At the ceremony, the Trust provided 4.5 gold sovereign ornaments, dresses and utensils to the couples to mark the beginning of new life. The Trust also conducts pre-marriage counselling for the families of brides and bridegrooms. Additionally, it also monitors their married life at regular intervals and provides guidance, if needed.
The 22nd edition of this ceremony was held at Sri Kurumba Kalyana Mandapam in Moolamcode, Palakkad. The solemn function began with the lightning of the lamp by dignitaries including Sobha Menon; K.E. Ismail, former Minister for Revenue of Kerala Government; V.C. Kabeer, former Minister for Health, Kerala Government; K.D. Prasenan, MLA; Dean Kuriakose, Youth Congress State President, Kerala; K. Balan, CPM leader, Kerala; C.T. Krishnan, former MLA; K.V. Mohandas, Chairman, Guruvayur Devaswom; K.R. Vishwambaran, Chairman, Oushadi and Presidents of Kizhakkenchery, Vadakkenchery, Kannambra Grama Panchayats – Kavitha Balakrishnan, Anitha Paulson and Rejimon. D. Additionally, Inspector General of Police, Ajithkumar IPS; Asst. Commissioner of Police, P. Sasikumar and Dr. Sreejith, Aryadatham Aryavaidhya Chikilsalayam along with the family members of Chairman Emeritus also participated in the ceremony.
