Myagdi: In a symbolic step toward promoting social inclusion, Malika rural municipality in Myagdi district has honored 25 inter-caste couples who recently married into the Dalit community, recognizing their courage in challenging centuries-old caste barriers.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a special ceremony was held on Sunday under the rural municipality’s targeted programme, where each couple marrying outside their distinct caste and community was awarded 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 marriages but also to send a powerful message against caste-based discrimination, which continues to persist in many parts of society.
Garbuja asserted, “Our society still has a huge wall of caste discrimination. It is thus imperative to dismantle this centuries-old system.” He further stated that by honoring inter-caste couples-from senior citizens to young newlyweds-from all seven wards of the rural municipality, they aim to inspire social change and promote equality.
The ceremony, held at the rural municipality headquarters in Darbang, saw the presence of elected representatives and officials, including Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Devi Gharti Pun, ward chairpersons, executive members, and other local leaders and residents. On the occasion, Pratiksha Rasaili, an executive member, expressed her concern that many inter-caste couples continue to face social exclusion, prejudice, and subtle forms of violence even after marriage.
Rasaili noted that the rural municipality launched such a programme for the first time to acknowledge the couples’ resilience and reaffirm its commitment to combating discrimination.