In an era where weddings are often associated with lavish celebrations, an inspiring story from Susa village in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district is redefining what a meaningful wedding can look like. Srikant Ekude, a 29-year-old agricultural postgraduate, and his bride Anjali Garmade, chose to use their wedding funds for a cause far more impactful than a traditional celebration.
On April 28, 2024, Srikant and Anjali tied the knot in a simple, open-air ceremony inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s ‘satyashodhak’ tradition. Rather than splurging on a grand wedding, the couple directed their Rs 50,000 wedding fund towards building a farm access road in Susa village, an area that had long been without proper access to its fields.
For years, farmers in Susa had struggled to transport seeds and harvests across treacherous, muddy paths, making their work even more difficult during the monsoon. Despite years of efforts, including a modest mud road constructed by Srikant and other farmers, the road remained impassable to bullock carts and needed urgent improvement.
When attempts to gain government support fell short, Srikant and Anjali decided to act. They chose to allocate their wedding budget to hire a JCB machine and level the stretch of land into an all-weather road that could benefit the entire farming community. Srikant had already made it clear in his matrimonial biodata that he intended to keep wedding expenses minimal, a plan his future in-laws appreciated and supported.
In addition to the road, the couple made another unique request for their wedding: instead of the customary gifts or cash, they encouraged guests to bring saplings or books. Over 90 trees, including starfruit, water apple, mulberry, rubber, litchi, and more, now flourish on the farm. These trees are symbolic of the couple’s commitment to growing together in harmony with nature, serving as a living reminder of their shared values of sustainability and social responsibility.
Srikant’s dedication to agriculture goes beyond just his farm. He is also passionate about social activism and has established “Bright Edge,” an educational initiative for tribal students. Located in Bhisi village, this center provides 55 students with free lodging, coaching for competitive exams, access to a public library, and academic support.
Rather than pursuing a government job, Srikant decided to modernize his family’s farm using sustainable practices and even started cultivating chillies—a unique crop for the region. He also founded a spice brand, ‘Seetai,’ in honor of his late grandmother, who greatly influenced his values and actions.
Srikant and Anjali’s wedding has garnered widespread admiration for its meaningful approach. Their decision to channel their wedding funds into a community-building project is a reminder that personal celebrations don’t always have to be extravagant to leave a lasting impact. Their story shows how thoughtful, community-focused choices can align with larger values and contribute to lasting change.
As the couple continues to build their life together, they hope their journey will inspire others to prioritize purpose and community service over material display. “We wanted our marriage to mean something more than just a personal celebration. This was our chance to serve the community and honor the values of Mahatma Phule,” the couple shared.
