<p>For the first time after independence in Pathredi village of Jaipur district, a Dalit groom rode a horse in his marriage procession, though in presence of heavy police force.<br /><br /></p>.<p>It was the first instance when a Dalit family defied age-old customs and performed the marriage ceremony on the lines of upper caste families in the village. <br /><br />“More than 50 police personnel were deputed around the residence of the Dalit family. The policemen accompanied the groom during the marriage procession,” said R L Yadav, a police official at Kotputli police station. <br /><br />The marriage was solemnised peacefully on Thursday, he added. <br />Earlier, a delegation of Ambedkar Vichar Manch gave a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate and demanded police protection to perform the marriage.<br /><br />Family members were apprehensive and expected opposition from upper caste villagers. Later, the administration ordered police to provide security to the family and ensure a peaceful marriage ceremony. <br /><br />“In Rajasthan, Dalits are still deprived of their basic rights. In order to avoid any untoward incident, we informed the local administration that a Dalit groom will ride a horse during his marriage procession and it may invite the wrath of upper community,” said Anil Regar, the 26-year-old groom.<br /><br />“All ceremonies have been performed peaceful and surprisingly many people from upper castes also supported us,” he added. <br /><br />Regar said his community leaders along with local administration held a joint meeting with leaders and people from the upper castes. <br /><br />Most extended their full support but a few people raised objections. <br />“Baring a few people, everyone was supportive. It was the first instance in the village when any Dalit groom rode a horse in a marriage procession,” said Anil.<br /><br />Most villagers including those from the upper caste attended the marriage on Thursday and presented a unique example of social harmony in Pathredi village.</p>
<p>For the first time after independence in Pathredi village of Jaipur district, a Dalit groom rode a horse in his marriage procession, though in presence of heavy police force.<br /><br /></p>.<p>It was the first instance when a Dalit family defied age-old customs and performed the marriage ceremony on the lines of upper caste families in the village. <br /><br />“More than 50 police personnel were deputed around the residence of the Dalit family. The policemen accompanied the groom during the marriage procession,” said R L Yadav, a police official at Kotputli police station. <br /><br />The marriage was solemnised peacefully on Thursday, he added. <br />Earlier, a delegation of Ambedkar Vichar Manch gave a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate and demanded police protection to perform the marriage.<br /><br />Family members were apprehensive and expected opposition from upper caste villagers. Later, the administration ordered police to provide security to the family and ensure a peaceful marriage ceremony. <br /><br />“In Rajasthan, Dalits are still deprived of their basic rights. In order to avoid any untoward incident, we informed the local administration that a Dalit groom will ride a horse during his marriage procession and it may invite the wrath of upper community,” said Anil Regar, the 26-year-old groom.<br /><br />“All ceremonies have been performed peaceful and surprisingly many people from upper castes also supported us,” he added. <br /><br />Regar said his community leaders along with local administration held a joint meeting with leaders and people from the upper castes. <br /><br />Most extended their full support but a few people raised objections. <br />“Baring a few people, everyone was supportive. It was the first instance in the village when any Dalit groom rode a horse in a marriage procession,” said Anil.<br /><br />Most villagers including those from the upper caste attended the marriage on Thursday and presented a unique example of social harmony in Pathredi village.</p>
