Mysore/Mysuru: A Policeman and a Policewoman celebrated their union in a simple ceremony, pledging their vows in the ‘Mantra Mangalya’ tradition promoted by the esteemed Poet Laureate Kuvempu. The ceremony took place at Prof. Shagale Parvathamma Trust House, Contour Road, Gokulam 3rd Stage recently.

The wedding was orchestrated by Manava Mantapa, an organisation of secular-minded individuals dedicated to the promotion of ‘Mantra Mangalya.’ Police Constables R. Mahesh Kumar and T. J. Mahalakshmi exchanged their vows, with Dr. K. Kalachanne Gowda presiding over the ceremony.

Dhananjay Eliyur, the Convener of Manava Mantapa, expounded on the significance of Kuvempu’s ‘Mantra Mangalya.’ He explained that Kuvempu himself conducted his son’s (the late writer K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi) marriage to Rajeshwari using the ‘Mantra Mangalya’ tradition.

Kuvempu preferred a simple ceremony with only 50 guests and even urged his friends to bless the newly weds whenever they found the time. In pursuit of this simplicity in weddings, Prof. K. Ramadas, Prof. H. Govindaiah, Prof. Shivaramu Kadanakuppe and others came together to establish ‘Manava Mantapa,’ under which thousands of couples have found marital happiness, he said.

Dr. Kalachanne Gowda emphasised that when couples in love approach them to arrange their marriages, they scrutinise the authenticity of their commitment. He lamented that despite rapid urbanisation, some people still resist inter-caste marriages, leading to  ‘honour killings.’

L. Jagannath shared his experience, saying, “I also married my partner Bhargavi in a similar manner. Let more such marriages occur to help eradicate the caste system from society.”

Parashurame Gowda of Parisara Balaga said that he was influenced by Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leader Prof. M. D. Nanjunda Swamy, and said he too opted for a simple marriage.

Mime Ramesh, a theatre person, mentioned that initially, he wanted to remain single but decided to marry upon the insistence of his friends from Rangayana and writers. Besides, it was a love marriage. When love is the foundation, considerations of caste and religion become irrelevant, he said.

Dr. V. Vanaja of Manava Mantapa shared her personal journey, recalling, “When I moved to Mysuru from Sringeri, my mother readily consented to my marrying anyone. My father even proudly announced in the village that I was marrying outside our caste. Dr. Kalachanne Gowda gained popularity in Sringeri because of this.”

Prof. Kumaraswamy, retired officer of Women and Child Welfare Department Raju, Convener of GPIER Theatre Troupe M.P. Haridatta, artistes Suman and Chandan were present.