23rd December 2018 

Made for Each Other

When rebellious thoughts meet with the progressive actions, it definitely converts into a Revolution. And need to mention here, a marriage can also become a revolution not only rebelling against the old customs but also denying the alleged form of progressive unions. A marriage that settled its own custom with the bouquets full of dedication and joyous environment has made a silk route for the upcoming events. There are many revolutionaries who have married in a simple manner but the reason behind this simplicity was to cut the huge expenses which are thoroughly unnecessary and to rebel against the old customs and the prevailing systems followed blindly by the general people. But the marriage of two social activists Aarti Badekar and Lilesh Lohakre, who has been jailed for their protest against several issues, is a collage of all the aspect of an accustomed marriage and a modern marriage which has a base of social contribution.  The ceremony which has been scripted by a well-known activist and a profound organizer, Kishor Jagtap, can be called as an Avant-grade event. The ceremony is titled “Aantar-jatiy Sarvoday Vivah” meaning “Inter Caste Sarvodaya Marriage.” (It has no connection with the Sarvodaya Movement leaded by Mahatma Gandhi.)

 

Aarti and Lilesh are the volunteers of an organization named “Vidyarthi Bharti” established by Kishor Jagtap. They were bonded with the organization since many years known to each other and their families for a long time. In mean time they fall in love with each other and they decided to tie the knot. But the basic problem was of caste and religion because Aarti is follows Buddha Dhamma whereas Lilesh is a Hindu Maratha. It was not difficult for Aarti because her family was a part of the organization and Aarti alongwith her sisters Jyoti Badekar, Pooja Badekar and Deepali Badekar were well known in the circle of activist throughout the country. But it was certainly not easy for Lilesh. But he made it easy with his convincing power and as a result his parents were ready for the marriage.

As it was decided to marry in court formally, it happened on 19th December 2018. On 22nd December 2018 the marriage ceremony was arranged at Maitrakul in Kalyan. Maitrakul is a place established by Kishor Jagtap for the vulnerable and bright children who wants to study and also become an awakened citizen. There are near about 50 children studying in Standard 4 to Ph.D. The ceremony they arranged in this home was a trend setter in itself.


A monument at Maitrakul


The pavilion’s uniqueness was started from its entry gate as there was the banners of the quotes in Marathi meaning “The inter-caste marriage is the only solution for the annihilation of castes. – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar”. The quotes of Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Shahu Maharaj and Mahatma Gandhi were appeared on the banner. The ceremony started with a huge round of applause for the beautifully dressed up bride and groom. The next shock was the national anthem which definitely raised the curiosity, Yours too? Wait; there is lot more in the bouquet. For your information, there was no any priest in this marriage, but 2 girls in the appearance of Savitribai Phule and Jyotiba Phule have carried the ceremony.   


The couple then watered the peepul tree which is known as the Nirvana Tree and a symbol of knowledge and environmental enhancement. The couple then went on the stage and while climbing the staircase they kicked down the stones named “Ling-bhed” and “jati-bhed meaning “gender discrimination” and “caste discrimination”. Then as per the order of “Savitribai Phule” the couple took the Oath written by Kishor Jagtap which mentioned that they will work for the society with the dedication for their entire life. A copy of Honorable Indian Constitution was gifted to the couple and a Citation was presented to them. Aarti Read the citation before the audience. The couple then declared to donate their organs and skin. They did not stopped here; the next step was a life changing decision for a destitute child. They accepted the guardianship of 8 years old Harshal who is an absolute underprivileged child.

Educational Guardianship of  Harshal


The couple then watered the peepul tree which is known as the Nirvana Tree and a symbol of knowledge and environmental enhancement. The couple then went on the stage and while climbing the staircase they kicked down the stones named “Ling-bhed” and “jati-bhed meaning “gender discrimination” and “caste discrimination”. Then as per the order of “Savitribai Phule” the couple took the Oath written by Kishor Jagtap which mentioned that they will work for the society with the dedication for their entire life. A copy of Honorable Indian Constitution was gifted to the couple and a Citation was presented to them. Aarti Read the citation before the audience. The couple then declared to donate their organs and skin. They did not stopped here; the next step was a life changing decision for a destitute child. They accepted the guardianship of 8 years old Harshal who is an absolute underprivileged child.  


Aarti and Lilesh have started their life together and they will definitely fulfill their oaths. We wish them all the very best and support their steps towards the betterment of the society.