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The Print
20 hours ago
- General
- The Print
Breaking barriers: Anti-superstition body launches inter-caste matchmaking centre
The service is open to individuals and families who voluntarily support inter-caste and interfaith marriages and registration at the centre is free, said Hamid, who is the son of slain rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar. Claiming it to be the first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti member Hamid Dabholkar told PTI on Wednesday that it is a part of the organisation's long-standing mission to promote rationalism and social equality. Pune, Jul 23 (PTI) The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti has launched an inter-caste and interfaith matchmaking centre, to dismantle caste and religious barriers and offer hope to people seeking life partners beyond such boundaries, a representative of the anti-superstition body said. 'There have been attempts to create rifts within communities and faiths in the state as well as across the country. It is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals seeking partners beyond the boundaries of caste or religion. This initiative aims to offer support and hope to such individuals,' he said. Shankar Kanse, the state coordinator of the matchmaking centre, and another coordinator Dr Dnyandev Sarvade appealed to prospective brides, grooms and their parents to register at the facility. 'Once registered, suitable matches will be suggested based on mutual preferences, and a verification process will ensure decisions are made with informed consent. Couples are also encouraged to marry under the Special Marriage Act or through Satyashodhak rituals,' said Kanse. The matchmaking centre not only supports inter-caste and interfaith unions, but also welcomes applications from widows and widowers looking to remarry, he added. 'Dr Narendra Dabholkar believed that caste is the biggest superstition, and inter-caste marriages can be a powerful tool to annihilate the caste system. We have launched the initiative with this belief,' Kanse said. He claimed the MANS operates Maharashtra's first 'Safe House' for inter-caste and interfaith couples, located in Satara district, providing them with temporary shelter and protection. 'So far, in the past year, around 18 couples have availed the Safe House facility in Satara,' he said. In addition to providing temporary shelter, the MANS also extends legal aid and works towards reconciliation with the families of such couples, Kanse said. The state government has also established safe houses in various districts, often within government guest houses or quarters, to provide shelter and security to inter-caste and interfaith couples facing threats or violence. PTI SPK GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
MANS launches intercaste, interfaith matchmaking service
Slain rationalist and anti superstition crusader Dr Narendra Dabholkar used to say, 'caste is one of the biggest superstitions'. And on Tuesday when Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), founded by Dr Dabholkar, launched its interfaith and intercaste matchmaking service in Maharashtra, it took a step towards giving his vision a new dimension, said his son Dr Hamid. The unique, free matchmaking service is an expansion of an existing initiative of MANS of running a safe house for intercaste and interfaith marriage couples at Satara. 'The idea of launching an intercaste and interfaith matchmaking service started taking shape around six months ago. Since it is a service of a sensitive nature, we took time to do the groundwork and we are finally launching it today,' said Dr Hamid speaking to The Indian Express. 'As Dr Narendra Dabholkar believed that caste was a major form of superstition, MANS has actively worked on this issue. Our fight and efforts for a legislative framework against caste panchayats, facilitating intercaste and interfaith wedding ceremonies and the initiative of a safe house for interfaith and intercaste marriage couples, are in keeping with his vision,' said Dr Hamid. A press statement from MANS issued in this regard on Tuesday read, 'On the back of the atmosphere of rifts in castes and religions, finding a life partner beyond these boundaries has become extremely difficult for those who genuinely wish to do so. MANS has launched a state-level interfaith and intercaste matchmaking service as a constructive initiative to bring down these social walls.' 'The service will facilitate intercaste, interfaith marriage including those of widow-widower and those who have divorced. Those seeking to get married are requested to send their detailed information to the centre's coordinators: Shankar Kanse, Pimpri, Taluka Koregaon, District Satara – contact: 99223 55435 and Dr Dnyandev Sarvade, Baramati – contact: 95277 21475 to avail the service.' the release stated. 'At this matchmaking centre, once prospective brides, grooms, or their parents register, appropriate matches will be suggested. After a profile is submitted, a verification will be done to ensure that the individual has made their decision thoughtfully and voluntarily. The centre advises couples to register their marriages under the Special Marriage Act and in line with Satyashodhak principles. This registration service is provided free of cost. Alternatively, they may also reach out to local activists of MANS in their village or town,' the statement read. (The Marathi poster of matchmaking service)
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Love Or Trap? Hindu Man Alleges He Was Forced To Become Muslim By Wife's Family
New Delhi: A Hindu man, Vishal Gokavi, has alleged that his Muslim wife, Tehsin Hosamani, and her family coerced him into converting to Islam following their marriage in Karnataka's Gadag district. The couple had reportedly been in a relationship for three years before registering their marriage under the Special Marriage Act on November 26, 2024. Vishal claims that a second wedding ceremony, conducted according to Islamic customs on April 25, 2025, resulted in his religious conversion, which he says occurred without his full knowledge and under pressure. As reported by India Today, Vishal alleged in multiple public statements and a video that Tehsin and her family threatened to falsely implicate him in a rape case if he refused to convert. He further claimed that he was subjected to mental harassment and forced to perform Islamic prayers, often having to provide photo evidence of his compliance. Vishal Gokavi said, 'I was in love with a Muslim girl. We had been in a relationship for three years. Eventually, her family found out about our relationship. She told me, 'If you ever get married, it has to be with me. If not, I'll kill myself by jumping in front of a train, drinking poison, or rolling on the ground.' She kept threatening me.'. 'She insisted that we get legally married. Out of fear, I agreed, and we registered our marriage. Later, her uncle Ibrahim Saab Dawal Khan and her mother Begum Banu told her to convert me into their religion and make me attend Jamaat (Islamic congregation). She came and conveyed this to me,' he said, as per the reports. Vishal further added, 'She said I should also marry her according to Islamic customs. When I refused, things escalated further. Members of the Jamaat gathered and began exerting pressure on me. They insisted, 'You must attend Jamaat and follow our customs." Vishal stated that the pressure to convert did not come from just one individual. He claimed that multiple people urged him to abandon his Korama community identity and embrace Islam. He further alleged that threats were made, warning that if he refused to convert, a false rape case would be filed against him, leading to his arrest. 'I was subjected to mental torture. I was warned repeatedly, 'See what happens if you refuse.' In the end, the conversion was forced upon me,' Vishal said, according to reports. He also claimed that the coercion intensified over time. According to him, Tehsin's uncle was assigned to monitor whether he was offering namaz (Islamic prayers). 'I was made to take photos while praying and send them to her. She would then follow up by asking, 'Did you perform your namaz today or not?'' he alleged. Meanwhile, videos of the Islamic wedding ceremony have gone viral on social media, drawing strong reactions from several Hindu organisations, who have labelled the incident a case of 'Love Jihad' and are demanding legal action against Tehsin and her family. In response, Gadag Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohan Jagadish said that while the issue has gained significant traction online, no formal complaint has been lodged so far. 'Yesterday, a video began circulating on social media regarding an issue between a boy and a girl. The boy's name is Vishal, who belongs to the Hindu community, and the girl's name is Tehsin, from the Muslim community,' SP Jagadish said, as per reports. He further explained the timeline of the couple's relationship and marriage: 'From the initial information we have, the couple had known each other for the past three years and were in a relationship. They decided to get married and registered their marriage on 26 November 2024 at the Gadag sub-registrar's office under the Special Marriage Act. About five months later, they reportedly got married again as per Muslim traditions, and a video of that ceremony has also surfaced on social media.' SP Jagadish acknowledged that initial claims suggest religious conversion may have occurred, but emphasized that the police had already spoken to Vishal earlier this year: 'On May 23, 2025, the boy was called to the Betageri police station and was asked whether he had any complaint or grievance. At that time, he gave a written statement and a video recording, both of which are with us, stating that he had no complaint.' He added that the police are keeping an open mind and will look into any possible marital issues or new developments that might have triggered the current controversy. Vishal was again called to the station recently and asked if he wished to file a complaint, but as of now, none has been submitted. 'If any complaint is given, we will register it and proceed with further investigation accordingly,' the SP confirmed.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sonakshi Sinha gives fans a sneak peek into her romantic Swiss getaway with husband Zaheer Iqbal
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a romantic trip to scenic Switzerland. Sharing heartfelt moments and playful videos on Instagram, the couple captivated fans. Sonakshi revealed she still feels like Zaheer's girlfriend and aspires to be more independent as they grow together. Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have always showcased their loving relationship on social media. To mark their first wedding anniversary, the couple recently enjoyed a romantic vacation in Switzerland. Sharing Moments with Fans Sharing the pictures on Instagram , Sonakshi gave her fans a glimpse of her moments with Zaheer. From breathtaking landscapes to romantic poses, the couple's heartfelt posts won over many admirers who flooded social media with praise for the Bollywood pair. A Scenic Choice with a Playful Caption For their anniversary, the couple selected Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic spots. In Sonakshi's post, she humorously remarked, "Well 'Train'ed. No, but seriously... how convenient is the public transport in Switzerland?? We could get used to this." The photos beautifully capture them spending cherished moments together surrounded by valleys and efficient transportation. A Fun and Lighthearted Moment During their trip, Sonakshi shared a fun video that perfectly captured a lighthearted moment with Zaheer, showcasing the warmth and happiness in their marriage. In the clip, as the actress tied her shoelace resting her foot on a suitcase, Zaheer playfully kicked it, causing her to lose balance. Though she lightly hit him back, her caption, "Falling in love," reveals the affection behind the playful prank. On Feeling Like a Girlfriend Earlier, speaking to Instant Bollywood, Sonakshi shared, "I don't feel like his wife, I still feel like his girlfriend." She also mentioned her wish to grow "slightly more independent," believing that this personal growth will enrich the way they develop as a couple. Their Private Wedding Day Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal tied the knot on June 23, 2024, in a private and intimate wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Their wedding date holds special sentimental value, as it marks the day they first spent significant time together in 2017. They registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act and celebrated the occasion with close family and friends.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Man alleges forced conversion after marrying woman from another community
Gadag: A man from the Hindu community, who married a woman from the Muslim community, has charged the latter's family with forcing him to convert to Islam. He filed a complaint at Town police station on Wednesday. Vishalkumar, a resident of the Gandhinagar settlement area, in his complaint, said that he was in a relationship with Tahashin of Kurahatti Pete for three years. He did not inform his parents about the affair, fearing disapproval from them because of the inter-religious relationship. However, Tahashin revealed their relationship to her mother. Meanwhile, they got married at the registration office on Nov 26, 2024. Upon hearing of their marriage, Tahashin's mother and family members compelled Vishal to marry Tahashin as per their tradition, to which he agreed, hoping to live happily forever. He married Tahashin according to the tradition of her religion at a mosque in Gadag on April 25, 2025. Later, they forced him to embrace Islam, but he did not heed them. When videos of the marriage in the mosque circulated on social media, his family members also decided to conduct their wedding as per Hindu tradition in front of his house on June 5, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investieren Sie in die Zukunft? Beginnen Sie hier eToro Learn More Undo Initially, Tahashin also agreed to it. However, when she came under pressure from her family, she refused to marry him as per Hindu tradition, and her family members also opposed it, he alleged. In his complaint, he also alleged that Tahashin's family put pressure on him to convert to Islam. Later, he came to know their intention behind his marriage at the mosque and consistently refused their conversion demands. "As I suffered a lot mentally, I am filing this complaint against my wife, her mother, and others for forcing me to embrace Islam, seeking justice," he said. Rohan Jagadeesh, SP of Gadag, told TOI that both Vishalkumar and Tahashin were in love for three years and got married in Nov 2024 under the Special Marriage Act in Gadag, and they were living happily. However, now Vishalkumar filed a complaint alleging that Tahashin's family is forcing and harassing him to convert to Islam. Based on his complaint, the SP confirmed that they would investigate the matter thoroughly to uncover additional details.
