| ABOUT US |
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Educating
and Uniting the Right Man With the Right Woman - Since 1996...
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Bethlehem - A
Center for Research and Family Development, is the
first Christian Matrimonial Institution in Kerala. Founded
by George Kadankavil in 1996. We have introduced a new Matrimonial
culture amongst The Elite Kerala Christians. Over fifteen
thousand Kerala Christian families have joined Bethlehem Matrimonial
programs like Matrimonial Databank, Vaivahika Sangamam, Pre-Marriage
counseling, Post Marriage counseling, Family Counseling and
various Family Development Programs.
Mr. George Kadankavil was Inspired by a bitter experience
in the matrimonial alliance of one of his family members and
started a small matrimonial databank. He has mobilized a number
of youngsters and their parents to discuss issues and difficulties
they have faced in the matrimonial field. This meeting was
first of it's kind, we have termed it "Vaivahika
Sangamam" . This program was well attended by
many affluent parents. It was their whole-hearted support
that propelled us to the present status. |
CHANGING
THE MATRIMONIAL CULTURE OF KERALA CATHOLICS.
Devised and implemented new
concepts in matrimonial field like Photo directory, Photo
albums, matrimonial get-together (Vaivahika Sangamam) where
marriage related issues are discussed and remedies sought
and recommended by the elite members of our society. Many
of the topics discussed in these meetings are reflected in
appropriate forums and causes significant cultural changes. |
| Topics : |
1. Girl's visit to Boy's house before marriage.
2. Medical test before marriage.
3. Giving opportunity for the Girl and Boy to understand
each other, before marriage.
4. Special life status for those who do not wish to
marry. |
| ABOLISHING COMMISSION BROKERAGE SYSTEM |
Traditionally,
Christian marriage alliances were brought in by the brokers.
Most of the brokers worked for a commission of the dowry.
Hence the first topic of discussion about any alliance was
based on the amount of dowry involved. Their vested interest
was to settle marriages at the highest amount so that they
get a higher commission. They played gimmicks and tricks to
drive away other brokers or lesser dowry proposals. Even the
most educated and affluent families had to undergo the ordeal
of living with the typical broker culture. We have been preaching,
debating and raising voice at all possible forums against
this dowry menace for years and years, but never noticed the
rout cause.
Every marriage is a new bud in the tree of our community and
society. Hence every alliance must be treated with utmost
decency, respect and reverence. For generations we have neglected
this fact and subjected ourselves to the commission culture.
Our efforts in educating the candidates and their parents,
created public awareness on how commission system promoted
dowry menace in our community, and the culture is getting
reformed. Now the brokers do not ask for commission, instead
they ask for a specific fee, based on the status of the party.
We urge you, NEVER BRING COMMISSION
TERMS IN YOUR MARRIAGE ALLIANCE. |
| PROMOTING THE CAUSE OF SINGLES |
Marriage
is not the only life status for a human being. Not all people
are born to lead a married life. There are people who lost
their marriage for various reasons. But our social custom
compels every one to choose a life status. We have worked
to promote the life status of SINGLES. Conducted singles meet,
trained and formed a group of Single Women. This group is
now registered as a Society named, ASWAS (Association of Single
Women for Action And Self Help). This society is running a
Shelter for Abandoned Women. There are four units of Aswas
Kendra in Kochi. The group members are meeting on all second
Saturdays at the Aswas Kendra and share their sorrow and joy.
Every year February 2nd is now celebrated as Single Women
Day. This community is growing and their mutual support has
brought back many women from serious life situations. The
efforts for the evolution of a Life Status for SINGLES are
now fetching tangible results.
Bethlehem is happy to mention that we were instrumental in
Educating and Uniting thousands of Right Men with their Right
Woman. |
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