In a heartwarming testament to the fact that love knows no age, 66-year-old Munnalal and 57-year-old Preetilata tied the knot at the Ramlal Old Age Home in Agra, vowing to spend the rest of their lives together. The wedding not only marked the beginning of a new journey for the couple but also fulfilled a lifelong dream of Munnalal’s 90-year-old mother, who had long wished to see her son settle down.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the wedding rituals, overwhelmed with joy. “I had given up hope of ever welcoming a daughter-in-law into my life. This is a dream come true for me,” she said, her voice quivering with emotion.
For Munnalal and Preetilata, both of whom had been grappling with loneliness in their later years, the marriage was a chance to rediscover companionship. “I never imagined I would find a partner at this age,” Munnalal shared. “Loneliness is a painful reality of old age, but now, I have someone to share my joys and sorrows with.”
Preetilata echoed his sentiments, saying, “I spent years believing that my life was meant to be lived alone. But love has its own plans. I feel like I have been given a second chance at happiness.”
The celebrations at the old age home began on Wednesday with haldi and mehendi ceremonies, where fellow residents joined in with enthusiasm, singing and dancing. On Thursday, the wedding procession (baraat) took place, with the elderly residents stepping into the roles of baratis. Laughter and music filled the air as they danced, clapped, and cheered for the couple.
To make the moment even more special, the president of Ramlal Old Age Home, Shivkumar Sharma, stepped in as the bride’s father, conducting the rituals with utmost care. “A wedding is not just about two people; it’s about bringing families together. And here, we are all a family,” he said with a smile.
The wedding received widespread appreciation from social workers and dignitaries present at the ceremony. Rajkumar Jain, President of Agra Vikas Manch, and Sunil Kumar Jain, the organisation’s coordinator, spoke about the importance of companionship for the elderly.
“Old age should not mean isolation. Everyone deserves love and care, regardless of their age. Munnalal and Preetilata’s marriage is a reminder that companionship is a basic human need that doesn’t fade with time,” Rajkumar Jain said.
He also announced plans to launch a campaign encouraging the remarriage of widows and elderly individuals who struggle with loneliness. “Society often shuns the idea of remarriage in old age, but we need to change this mindset. Every person deserves happiness, no matter how old they are,” he added.
