Haryana’s Minister of State for Sports, Gaurav Gautam, emphasised the importance of steering clear of drugs and opting for sports during a recent mahapanchayat in Midkola village, Palwal district. He called for a united front to combat social issues that impact the youth, urging them to embrace healthier, more productive pursuits.

The minister made these remarks while addressing the gathering organised by the Dagar Pal group. He stated that it is crucial for society to adhere to the resolutions made during the mahapanchayat, particularly concerning social evils such as drug addiction and dowry practices.

Decisions Made to Tackle Social Evils

The mahapanchayat focused on various pressing social concerns, including dowry systems, drug abuse, lavish wedding celebrations, and mourning practices, aiming to create a positive change. Representatives from different social, political, and religious factions attended the gathering to support the initiatives proposed.

Former MLA Praveen Dagar presented a set of stringent measures aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditures during weddings. According to the newly established guidelines, only five individuals from the bride’s side will participate in the engagement ceremony, which will involve a minimal token gift of Rs 1. Additionally, only two participants are permitted at the lagan ceremony, with Rs 101 allocated for kanya-daan.

Furthermore, the mahapanchayat proposed that food should not be served at the wedding of a girl. The practice of dowry was declared off-limits, and extravagant spending on wedding events was restricted. Various limits were set on the number of participants and the nature of events surrounding weddings, promoting a simpler and more economical approach.

Measures Against Substance Abuse and Extravagance

Substance abuse was addressed with firm resolutions, including an outright ban on alcohol at all community events. The mahapanchayat also mandated a prohibition on the use of DJs during social functions, reflecting a broader commitment to fostering a substance-free environment.

In terms of wedding customs, the attendees agreed that the procession should be limited to 51 participants, and only vegetarian cuisine is to be served. Furthermore, the traditional preparation of rich foods such as khoya and paneer at weddings, as well as the presentation of excessive varieties of sweets and vegetables, will be discouraged.

The mahapanchayat also proposed a framework to address matters related to love marriages, inter-community relationships, and same-sex unions, reflecting an effort to standardise social norms within the community.

A committee, named the 52 Pal, was proposed to oversee compliance with the newly established guidelines. This committee will convene every three months to evaluate the implementation of the resolutions reached during the mahapanchayat, ensuring that the commitments made are upheld in the community.

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