Myagdi, July 6: In a symbolic step toward promoting social inclusion, Malika rural municipality in Myagdi district has honoured 25 inter-caste couples who recently married into the Dalit community, recognizing their courage in challenging centuries-old caste barriers.
At a special ceremony held on Sunday under the rural municipality’s targeted programme, each couple marrying outside their distinct caste and community were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 3,500 along with a certificate of appreciation.
Beg Prasad Garbuja, Chairperson of the rural municipality, mentioned that the initiative was launched not only to encourage inter-caste marriage but also to send a powerful message against caste-based discrimination, which, he added, continues to persist in many parts of our society.
He asserted, “Our society still has a huge wall of caste discrimination. It is thus imperative to dismantle this centuries-old system.”
He further said, “By honoring inter-caste couples-from senior citizens to young newlyweds-from all seven wards of the rural municipality, we want to inspire social change and promote equality.”
The ceremony, held at the rural municipality headquarters in Darbang, saw presence of elected representatives and officials, including Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Devi Gharti Pun, ward chairpersons, executive members and other local leaders and local residents.
On the occasion, Pratiksha Rasaili, executive member, expressed her concern that many inter-caste couples continue to face social exclusion, prejudice and subtle forms of violence even after marriage.
She noted that the rural municipality launched such a programme for the first time to acknowledge their resilience and reaffirm its commitment to combating discrimination. #nepal #rss
