BANGALORE: Life can begin afresh anytime, with the right companion by your side. That's what Natubhai Patel, 67, believes in and works for. The founder of Vina Mulya Amulya Seva, a senior citizens' marriage bureau, Patel advocates marriage for unmarried, divorced, widowed men and women aged 50 and above, seeking soul mates.
This Ahmedabad-based organization will organize 'Jeevan Saathi Sammelan for aged 50+' in Bangalore on February 2.
"All senior citizens need a spouse, a companion to share thoughts with, to talk to, and we provide the platform," says Patel, who miraculously escaped the Bhuj earthquake in 2001, where he saw many senior citizens losing their life partners.
"I saw how the lives of many survivors became pathetic as they lost their loved ones. That's when I realized the need to set up a marriage bureau for those who were single at 50 and older. The meet is an opportunity to socialize with like-minded people and find someone special. We understand this may be difficult with society's own pressures, but we'd like them to know that the right to be happy is in their hands. There is no age for love," Patel adds.
Since 2012, the bureau has brought together 52 couples, of which 12 are in a live-in relationship. "We have clear guidelines. He/she must produce a divorce certificate. Widows and widowers need to submit the spouse's death certificate along with bio-data and a recent photograph. Bridegrooms should also open a bank deposit in the name of the bride, for her safety," he says.
In November 2011, Patel conducted the first 'Live-in Relationship Sammelan' in Ahmedabad, where 300 men and 70 women from across the country took part. Seven couples hit it off here. "It's the personal choice of the man and woman. We just organize the meeting and leave it to them," he adds.
However, the Sammelan is not open to those who are bedridden. "If the bride or groom is completely bedridden, we can't advocate their profile. They have to be healthy, but for the regular old-age issues," he adds.
The eldest couple who entered wedlock through Patel is an 83-year-old man and his 61-year-old wife. The marriage bureau also has 10,000 applications from youngsters (20-40 years) looking for life partners.
Odd ratio
The bureau has got the profile of 5,500 men who wish to marry. But the number of women applicants is just 600, leaving an unbalanced ratio. "That's because women in need of a spouse at 50 or above have to deal with social stigma, so not many volunteer," observes Sheela Shankar, who is coordinating the Sammelan in Bangalore.
Reach the bureau
Sheela Shankar, Flat 5604, Eternity Block, Prestige Monte Carlo, Yelahanka, Bangalore-64
Phone: 9611574478
email id: sheela.tenginkai@gmail.com
'I wish I meet my partner'
Sudha Jain, 52, is well-groomed and fit, and looks like she is yet to hit 40. She lived in Delhi 19 years ago with her husband and two kids. "One day, my husband didn't return home from work. We waited, searched and filed a complaint, but he couldn't be traced. He was a pious gentleman, a lovely husband and an adorable father. There was no reason for him to move away from us. We don't know what happened to him. His absence became a mystery. I've waited till now. I got my children educated, and now they're settled. I am alone once again," says Sudha, whose daughter sent her profile to Patel recently. She has support from her daughter, son and daughter-in-law to begin a second innings with the right partner.
NEWS Link:- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-15/bangalore/46223643_1_marriage-bureau-live-in-relationship-sammelan-vina-mulya-amulya-seva
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