(Shankar Chatterjee)
Marriage is a legal and socially sanctioned union, usually between a man and a woman, that is regulated by laws, rules, customs, beliefs, and attitudes. In general, marriage takes place between male and female and marriage is a part of human life. Sometimes, some people do not marry because of personal reasons, and some do not marry because they are under the umbrella of any religious institution. There are many cases, but I wish to highlight two cases. Saint Srimanta Sankardev, a divine personality whose contributions and works are still shining in Assam, established many Satras (Satra are institutional centers associated with Vaishnavism). The author visited “Auniati Satra” in the Majuli district of Assam (the largest river island in the world) in December 2023 and came to know that around 300 devotees known as ‘Udakhin Vaishnav’ stay in different rooms on campus (Satra is spread over to an area of 184 acres). They all are bachelors, do not marry, and are purely vegetarian. They themselves cook, or a person cooks for others. No woman can be ‘Udakhin Vaishnav’. Another one is Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, which are worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organizations that have been engaged in various forms of humanitarian and social service activities. The Monks /Sadhus lifelong remain unmarried. Like these, there are many cases, but in general, marriage is accepted across the world by organizing functions, etc.
This article presents a couple’s Golden Jubilee marriage celebration in Hyderabad. It is noteworthy to mention that the Golden Jubilee wedding anniversary is a special and great occasion, not only for the couple, who are fortunate to celebrate 50 years of togetherness and successful married life, but also for their children, grandchildren, relatives, and well-wishers. Therefore, this special occasion is celebrated with full enthusiasm, hope, hype, and hoopla, with participation from all close relatives, extended relatives, and friends. D.V.S. Ramachandra Rao was born on April 4, 1953, in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. At the age of 18 years, six months, i.e., on October 26, 1971, he joined the renowned bank viz., State Bank of India and retired from the Bank as a senior officer. His marriage was performed with Desaraju Padmavathi on May 23, 1974, so on May 23, 2024, the Golden Jubilee wedding anniversary was held. The couple was blessed with three sons- the eldest one, Ravi Kiran, who is Vice President of SBI, Dis count and Finance House of India (DFHI). He lives in Bangalore with his wife Aruna and son Viswajeeth. The second son, Krishna Chaitanya, a software engineer in TCS, Hyderabad, with his wife Krishna Sravanthi and kid (daughter), lives with Ramachandra Rao. The third son, Bharadwaj Mani Kanth, and his wife Kiranmayi, one year ago blessed with twin girls in the USA all the way came from abroad to Libdom Villa, Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad, where Ramachandra Rao purchased a villa and permanently settled. Noteworthy to mention that Bharadwaj Mani Kanth is a Software Engineer and works in the USA. All three sons of Ramachandra Rao, supported by three daughters-in-law, enthusiastically organized the Golden Jubilee wedding celebration of their parents/in-laws.
As a part of the celebration, on May 22, 2024, Homa (a religious function) was organized, and the next day, i.e., on May 23, 2024, Satyanarayana Vratam (Puja) was performed, followed by scrumptious lunch. Different types of vegetarian items and sweets were prepared which were so tasty even in many restaurants we may not get. I always enjoy such foods as we cannot prepare many such items in our home.
I know Ramachandra Rao and his wife have been sublimely passing time with children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. He never gets angry and always has a smiling face. I wish the couple long, healthy, and blissful togetherness for many more years.
(Dr Shankar Chatterjee is a former Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR, Hyderabad, India)
