The CoEJ Matrimonial Committee had an opportunity to swap notes on processes/training and explore areas of cooperation in the areas of Marriage, with Gujarati towns of Sirkhej (Ahmedabad) and Bhavnagar.

There is a lot of work done in these towns in the areas of marriage, in particular the combination of formal and informal structures that handle reconciliation.

Brother Riyaz Ladha, Chair of matrimonial Committee, explained details of the pre-marriage and Pre-Engagement seminars that were developed and run in the CoEJ region, supported by the World Federation to promote these worldwide, and recently run in Nairobi, for the Africa Federation.

There was an impressive array of activity undertaken, in particular by the Women’s group, in Bhavnagar.  The work was inspirational. Further information is in the detailed report as well as a collection of Photos and pamphlets that we can provide.  These groups were keen to learn from the workshops/seminars that CoEJ had established. The formal processes of reconciliation, under the wings of the Jamaat, were also impressive. Given the success rates of about 75% when they were only provided cases when the parties had absolutely made it clear they were parting.   In addition to work done in the areas of marriage, Sirkej jamaat, a stable unit with the leadership in its third three year term, showed how they were running projects in a self sufficient manner.  Clearly there is a lot to learn and share with our old established towns.

A unit that handled sigha weddings in Bhawnagar and nearby towns, was keen to learn from this and look to tailor it to meet the local needs.

Bhawnagar  Women’s Unit
There was an impressive array of activity undertaken, in particular by the Women’s group, in Bhawnagar.  The work was inspirational.  Headed by Kanizbai Wakil, and formed as a Trust – Janabe Umme Kulsum Talim – it has a complex of seven plus multi-story buildings located within the town. Some of which are:
•    Baitul Khadija – where a number of elderly/widows were living a happy respectable life.
•    Abu Talib Talim – includes a boys/orphans boarding school
•    Aashro Orphanage- for girls
•    Jethabhai Nursery School – number of classes
There are many more activities run by the center. One that stood out was the up to 100 weddings organized at each session across a few towns. This included buying/providing all the garments (pictured) and ceremonial gifts/walimo, costing an average of £65 (Rs. 5000) per wedding.
We are grateful to Sisters Parveenbai Merchant, Kanizbai Wakil, Taherabai Keshwani and Artiben for making time to give us an insight into their work.

Gar Sansar Committee
The formal processes of marriage reconciliation, under the wings of the Jamaat, were also impressive. The success rates of about 75% was very impressive considering that the cases dealt with were almost at breaking point. The unit was made of a number of experienced individuals who gave this unit continuity and reliability. We are grateful to the team to have made time to discuss the working methods: Pyaralibhai, Janmohammedbhai Rawjani, Bakerbhai Velani and Asharbhai

Sarkhej Jamaat
In addition to work done in the areas of marriage, Sirkej jamaat,  a stable unit with the leadership in its third three year term, showed how they were running projects in a self-sufficient manner.  An example being the air-condition provision at the centre.
We are grateful to the Jamaat’s president Tanvirbhai Merchant and Marriage Unit head Iqbalbhai  Noorani for making time to discuss the issues and methods.

Collaboration - looking up to these old established towns
Muhsinbhai Dharamsi, who has given many years of his life to WF causes and is  currently residing in Bhawnagar, was an excellent Bhawnagar host who would always give time to the community. Similarly, gratitude must be recorded for Ahmedabad host - Murrabi Amirbhai Dosani.
Today the local communities in Gujrat are happy to contribute their time and facilities to help train youngsters from word-wide jamaats.  
Clearly there is a lot to learn and share with our old established towns.
These are, after all, where great people of our community had the vision to form the Ithna-asheri community that we are proud to belong in.

Secretariat