TV
In a powerful stand against the dowry system, a young couple from Jagatsinghpur has etched a heartwarming chapter in the narrative of social change. Rakesh Pattnayak, a well-educated teacher hailing from Gualipur in Raghunathpur, tied the knot with Pratima, a resilient young woman raised in a government-run child care home — all without demanding a single rupee in dowry or material expectations.
The wedding took place at the very place that nurtured Pratima — the Jagatsinghpur child care home. Pratima’s journey is both heart-rending and inspiring. Orphaned early in life and abandoned by her father, she was rescued from child labour in Bhubaneswar at the age of 11. The District Child Welfare Committee rehabilitated her in 2015, offering her a second chance at life. With unwavering determination, she completed her education and received vocational training in beauty services.
Rakesh, now a teacher at a private school, was moved not by material wealth but by Pratima’s inner strength and educational accomplishments. His family, equally progressive in outlook, supported the proposal wholeheartedly. The couple’s union was formalised with traditional Vedic rituals, witnessed by the care home staff, community members, and well-wishers. The venue was transformed into a vibrant mandap adorned with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Speaking about the significance of this union, Anjaneya Acharya, Superintendent of the Child Care Home, said, “This marriage is a milestone. At a time when dowry, wealth, and family background dominate matrimonial decisions, Rakesh’s choice proves that human values still prevail.”
As Pratima bid farewell to her childhood home with blessings and warmth, her story became a symbol of hope and progress. The marriage has drawn widespread appreciation from locals and social workers alike for breaking societal barriers and redefining dignity and love.
This wedding, built on compassion and mutual respect, stands as a shining example for the youth — showing that when character leads, society follows.
