72-year-old man aids marriages of couples from economically weaker section

Mangaluru: A 72-year-old man has been helping couples from backward communities and economically weaker sections get married. Mohandas Bhat Surathkal, a priest and trustee of the Shree Durgaparameshwari Mahamayi Temple in Ulepady near Mulki, began this initiative in 2013. A former journalist, he has authored several books and previously served as the president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Dakshina Kannada.

Over the past 13 years, Bhat has helped to bond more than 300 couples. The temple has become a support for those who cannot afford the wedding expenses . A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhat said he draws inspiration from Gandhian principles of service.

Speaking to TOI, Bhat said that donations and offerings received at the temple are utilised for this cause. He recalled that in 2013, many people approached him, saying they were unable to get married for various reasons, and hence, we started community marriages here, he said.

He also highlighted cases where families avoided marrying off girls, claiming they were possessed by spirits or saying other superstitions. “Later, I learned the real reason was different. In some households, men were alcoholics and did not want the girl to leave, as she was the one who earned for the house. That is when I decided to start this initiative,” he added.

Bhat emphasised that the initiative benefits poor people irrespective of caste. He said that donations, such as gold, have declined in recent years, and due to his age, he is unable to earn. “Despite this, we provide everything for the couples, including clothes, mangalsutra and thali, and food,” he said. While three couples have been married off this year, he has been helping an average of eight to ten couples get married annually in recent years.

He also revealed that the children of temple staff have benefited from the initiative. Bhat said the initiative was shaped by him with the support of several others, including Virar Shankar Shetty, Dr Krishna Kumar Shetty, Harikrishna, and Sudhakar Alva. He added that contributions also come from nearby temples.