In a progressive move, a woman in Odisha’s Angul district solemnised the marriage of her 20-year-old widowed daughter-in-law. 

Pratima Behera is a former sarpanch of Gobara gram panchayat in Angul district. Her younger son Rashmiranjan had married Lily in February, this year. However, Rashmiranjan, unfortunately, passed away in a coal mine mishap in Bharatpur in July, leaving Lily widowed reported The New Indian Express.

“I know my son will not return. The loss is irreplaceable. I could not stand the miseries of my daughter-in-law, who is only 20-years-old. She has the right to be happy in life. Therefore, I decided to get my daughter-in-law married,” she said. 

Lily was in deep grief and turned speechless following the death of her husband. However, Pratima consoled Lily and convinced her to re-marry. Pratima believed that life did not stop for anyone and encouraged her daughter-in-law to start a new life and move on. She then started looking for a groom for Lily.

The marriage took place in the presence of villagers at the Jagannath Temple in Talcher area on September 11. Lily’s husband Sangram Behera said, “My father and other family members have accepted Lily as their daughter-in-law. Why should I have any objection? Rather I am happy.”

Women like Pratima stand as an inspiration to many women who wish to support their daughters-in-law in times of need. “I have always treated my daughter-in-law as my daughter. I am happy that she is now married. I will perform all my duties as her mother,” Pratima said.

Many social activists lauded Pratima for her decision to solemnise the marriage of her widowed daughter-in-law. As a former Sarpanch, Pratima Behera has become an icon of women empowerment in the state.

Also Read: Hindu Widow Can’t Be Deprived Of Property Vested In Her After Remarriage: Karnataka High Court