According to the Census of India reports, Sri Ganganagar of Rajasthan State, India was the worst hit district in terms of child sex ratio, with only 850 girls to 1000 boys in the 0 to 6 year age group. Several helpful interventions have been undertaken to address the problem of declining child sex ratios. One such initiative is the celebration of community weddings that was initiated in 2004.
Community weddings of girls from economically weaker sections are held every year at Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Gurudwara. The Gurudwara Samiti, Sri Ganganagar Chamber of Commerce, and the people of Sri Ganganagar come together to organize this celebration. It is open to all religions, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Truly a people’s event!
All of Ganganagar seems to gather for this event year after year! Dr Ashok and Dr Meeta Singh who studied at Armed Forces Medical College have been supporting this community function since 2005.
This year too, on October 29, we had the privilege to support and participate in this event. Meeta undertook an overnight train journey to participate in the most precious wedding celebration of the year. Dr Meeta Singh was honored with Saropa by Gurudwara Samiti . Truly, this celebrates life and defines her volunteer role, community service and her mission towards enhancing dignity of the girl child.
