TV
A couple in Nabarangpur district of Odisha has remained socially ostracised for 25 years after marrying outside their caste, facing continued exclusion from the Gouda community despite repeated efforts at reconciliation.
The incident concerns Dhaniram Gouda of Salebhatta village under Chandahandi block, who married Magasira from Sardhapur village in Kalahandi district. Dhaniram belongs to the Kosoliya Gouda community, while his wife is from a Dalit background. Their marriage, solemnised 25 years ago, was not accepted by his community.
Efforts to Rejoin the Community Rejected
Dhaniram said, “I had offered to sell my animals and use the money from the sale for rituals to be reinstated in the community, but they did not agree. Instead, they went around speaking ill of me and never allowed us back.”
His wife, Magasira, added, “They have ostracised us for nearly 24 years now. The rest of the villagers have no issues with us, it is only the Gouda community members who have treated us like this. They even called me names.”
Unable to perform social rituals for his late father or his 11-year-old son, Dhaniram has continued to live in isolation, a condition he describes as mentally exhausting.
Supporters Also Face Backlash
Around 60 families who had supported the couple’s reintegration were also boycotted. Of these, 23 families were later allowed back into the community after complying with specific demands.
Prahallad Baisala, one of the excluded, said, “They only accepted those families who paid a fine of Rs 10,000 and tonsured their heads. The rest of us, who could not afford this, have been shunned.”
Community Responds
Gouda community secretary Masturam Bagarti said, “The individuals previously responsible had done this. We have invited them to community meetings several times, but they’ve been unresponsive. They’ve formed their own group with their own head and secretary and are unwilling to cooperate.”
Despite efforts to draw the administration’s attention, no conclusive resolution has been reached, and around 40 families continue to live under social boycott.
