Instead of big fat wedding, this Bride opted to fund girls hostel

Aurangabad: A city businessman has set an example for the society by donating books worth Rs one lakh to different libraries and funds to girl’s hostel instead of giving dowry or indulging in extravagance in his daughter's marriage. Talking to UNI, D S Kate, a prominent businessman, engineer and tax consultant of the city, said, 'Marriage ceremony is a memorable moment in life. It’s a gathering of two families and a social function for friends and relatives. It’s a regular and traditional way in India but we decided a novel way for marrying my daughter.' The Kate and Pawar family in Aurangabad arranged their children's marriage ceremony recently, but avoided the traditional way of gift packs and so on.

The anti-dowry thoughts were an example of progress. Sayali, daughter of Kate tied the nuptial knot with Ajinky, son of Mr Surykant Pawar, resident of Nasik city. Instead of functions Mr Kate published his book 'Arthjagar' with newlyweds being the chief guests. The book was distributed instead of 'Kanyadan', a traditional ritual in marriage. 'Life of newlyweds should start with reading about culture and rationalism,' Mr Kate expressed his wish.

Some honourable social workers present blessed the couple and admired this progressive way of marriage. Dignitaries, who were present on the occasion included Aurangabad Divisional Commissoner Purushottam Bhapkar, Mr Rajaram Bhapkar and Mr Yamaji Malkar, a social worker who works for 'Arthkranti', a campaign which runs for economical literacy. 'No gift please!' was the slogan for this marriage and attendants also strictly avoided gift packs.

But, an humble request was there to buy a better book as gift and read it or let someone read it. Recalling the earlier system of Indian mirage, Kate said there was a tradition in ancient times to gift clothes, ornaments or daily utensils for newlyweds, but today's social status is an improved one and needs more than that. The need for knowledge can be fulfilled by gifting of such books, he added. (UNI)