Copyright newskarnataka
In a unique celebration of love and democracy, Jabirul Hasan and Ashina, a couple from Palode near Thiruvananthapuram, will solemnise their marriage on Sunday by exchanging a copy of the Indian Constitution in addition to the traditional religious ceremony. The symbolic act, they say, is aimed at highlighting the importance of constitutional values in everyday life. The wedding, which will take place at the Vrindavanam Convention Centre, will not only be a union of two individuals but also a reminder of the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. Guests attending the ceremony will receive a leaflet on the importance of the Constitution along with a copy of the document to take home. This marks the second such wedding in Kerala, after a similar ceremony was held in 2023. Promoting constitutional values through marriage Hasan, who previously worked with the Kollam District Comprehensive Constitution Literacy Project implemented by the Kollam district panchayat, said he drew inspiration from his experience in the initiative. He now serves as the treasurer of the Constitution Literacy Council (CLC), an NGO dedicated to promoting constitutional awareness across Kerala. “The idea we wish to share through this is that constitutional values should be integrated into family life,” Hasan said. “My family supports this initiative since they know I have been working to spread awareness about the Constitution. I spoke to Ashina about the plan, and she wholeheartedly agreed.” During the ceremony, the couple will first take part in the Nikah, after which they will exchange copies of the Constitution. A message on constitutional ideals will be read aloud, and the event will conclude with the recitation of the National Anthem. Inspiration from earlier initiatives Hasan, who was selected as a senator for the Constitution Literacy Project in 2022, has been part of numerous awareness sessions in colleges and public events across Kollam district. “We are trying to rope in more volunteers to teach about the Constitution as the program expands to other districts,” he added. His bride, Ashina, though not formally trained in constitutional studies, expressed eagerness to learn more about it. “She supports the idea and understands its significance,” Hasan said, describing her enthusiasm for the initiative. A growing movement in Kerala The couple’s decision has been widely appreciated by members of the Constitution Literacy Council. Abi Radhakrishnan, who in 2023 became the first person in Kerala to get married by exchanging copies of the Constitution, lauded Hasan and Ashina’s move. “We intend to make the wedding of our friend a model event by promoting constitutional ideals,” said Abi, who distributed 1,000 copies of the Constitution at his own wedding. The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) is currently spearheading the constitutional literacy programme, with plans to extend it to more districts. These efforts, according to activists like Hasan and Abi, are crucial at a time when there are concerns over attempts to dilute the spirit of the Constitution. As Kerala witnesses another wedding that blends tradition with civic consciousness, Hasan and Ashina hope their ceremony will inspire others to uphold constitutional values in personal and social life. Their message is clear — love may bring two people together, but shared respect for equality, justice, and liberty can strengthen the foundation of any union.
