In Rajasthan, 11 young women from the Mahila Sadan (Women's Shelter) were married to men selected through interviews from a pool of 1900 applicants. This initiative serves as an example of providing a dignified life and social rehabilitation for women.
Jaipur: You've heard many unique marriage stories — love marriages, unions arranged with family consent. But in Rajasthan, a different example was witnessed where young men had to undergo interviews to become grooms. In this special initiative by the state government for the 11 daughters of the Mahila Sadan, over 1900 young men applied, but only 11 were given the precious opportunity — to become a life partner.
This was not a reality show, but an important effort by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department of the Rajasthan government for women's rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma attended the wedding ceremony held in Jaipur and blessed the newly married couples.
Mahila Sadan: An attempt to reconnect broken dreams
The Mahila Sadan, run by the state government, is a shelter for women and girls who have been rejected by society, family, or circumstances. Here, they not only get a roof over their heads but also the opportunity for education, training, and shaping their future.
When a young woman residing in the Mahila Sadan becomes of age and wishes to marry, the government seeks a suitable groom for her. This process is transparent and respectful, with the young woman's preference being paramount.
Interviews were required to become grooms
When the Social Justice Department began searching for grooms for these 11 young women, around 1900 young men from all over Rajasthan applied. The most unique aspect of this process was that each applicant was not only interviewed individually but also thoroughly investigated regarding their family, lifestyle, profession, and social image.
Interview process: Not a job, but the selection of responsibility
The selection committee visited the homes of all applicants to study their environment and behavior. Their evaluation was based not only on their degree or job but also on the young man's nature, mentality, attitude towards women, and stability in life.
After this, the shortlisted young men were introduced to the young women of the Mahila Sadan, where the young women had the right to express their consent or dissent clearly. No pressure was put on any young woman to marry.
6 out of 11 young men are from Jaipur, the rest from other districts
Of the 11 young men selected through this process, 6 are residents of Jaipur. The remaining five are from the districts of Deedwana-Kuchaman, Jhunjhunu, Kota, and Baran. These young men were married to the 11 daughters of the Mahila Sadan with full traditional rituals. This wedding ceremony was not just an event but a new beginning for those young women who had lost hope in life.
Chief Minister's presence at the wedding ceremony was a special highlight
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma himself attended this mass wedding ceremony held in Jaipur. Blessing the newlyweds, he said, "This initiative is not just a marriage but a big step towards social inclusion and providing a dignified life to women. We want every woman to get the rights she deserves."
More than 100 marriages have taken place so far
Under this initiative of the Rajasthan government, more than 100 young women have been married across the state so far. Through the Mahila Sadan, not only do women get shelter, but they are also given the opportunity to start anew. This scheme has become an example of social rehabilitation, which is being appreciated at every level.
A b message for society
This wedding ceremony was not just the union of a few couples but a message — that if the will and the policy are right, the government can also bring about solid changes in society. Selecting a suitable groom through an interview process demonstrates that marriage should not only be about external show but also about depth, thought, and responsibility.
