Odisha man breaks social taboo, marries widowed sister-in-law to save elder brother’s family

By Shrikanta Panda

Cuttack, Feb. 1: Defying a social taboo that stands in the way of young, unmarried men getting married to a widowed woman having children, a youth in Odisha married his sister-in-law (elder brother’s wife) who lost her husband to Covid-19 two years ago.

The youth identified as Arun Kumar Barik, a native of Ragadi village in Cuttack district, tied the nuptial knot with his sister-in-law Lily in order to support her and her five-year-old son with the permission of his family members. His noble act has received applause from all quarters.

 “In many coastal Odisha villages, young unmarried men are not encouraged to marry widowed women having children. Only widowers are allowed to marry widows. However, Arun on Tuesday defied this custom and married his widowed sister-in-law who has a five-year-old son. This is a great step which will inspire many more youths to break this barrier and save the lives of widows,” said Dr Gourang Charan Rout, a social worker who has been pleading for social rehabilitation of widows by remarriage with family consent.

According to sources, Arun’s elder brother Bijay had married Lily seven years ago as per Vedic rituals. The couple has a five-year-old boy. Unfortunately, Bijay passed away due to Covid-19 during the pandemic two years ago. Since then Lily along with her son used to stay with her in-laws.

“My brother passed away due to Covid-19. Since then, we were worried for our sister-in-law and nephew. We had decided to remarry her. However, my youngest brother came forward for the noble deed and we are more than happy. This is a message, an inspiring example for society,” said Arun’s eldest brother.

Speaking about the marriage, the groom, Arun said, “My sister-in-law and nephew needed a partner after my brother’s death. I could see through their plight. So, with the permission of my family members, I decided to marry my sister-in-law and be with her through the ups and downs in life.”