Surat – South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), in collaboration with Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujarati Pratishthan and NRG Centre-Surat, hosted an awareness seminar on NRI marriages at Vanita Vishram Mahila Vishwavidyalaya. The event aimed to educate and guide young women about the complexities and challenges of marrying Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Ramesh Vaghasia, President of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of being well-informed when considering marriage to NRIs. "The seminar aims to guide young women to make well-thought-out decisions to prevent any future mishaps," Vaghasia said.
Keynote speaker and Supreme Court lawyer Preeti Joshi highlighted the increasing number of Indians living abroad and the subsequent rise in problems arising from NRI marriages. Joshi said that such marriages are subject not only to Indian laws but also to international laws, making them potentially more complicated and risky.
Joshi provided a list of precautions for young women considering marrying abroad. Among her advisories were not to blindly trust marriage bureaus, agents, or mediators, and to thoroughly investigate the marital status, immigration standing, financial stability, and family background of prospective spouses. She also cautioned against marrying solely for the promise of obtaining a green card.
Mamlatdar Riddhi Parmar of Gandhinagar offered insights into the Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujarati Pratishthan’s efforts to assist Gujaratis settled abroad. "This establishment works to solve various issues concerning NRIs and those planning to resettle in Gujarat," Parmar noted.
Dr. Dakshesh Thakar, Pro-Vost of Vanita Vishram Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Surat, emphasized the seriousness of marriage as one of the three most crucial life events. Thakar urged young women to exercise extreme caution in marital decisions, stating that just like birth and death, marriage is a significant life event that needs careful consideration.
The event was wrapped up with a vote of thanks proposed by Ganesh Pamnani, President of SGCCI Education and Skill Development Center. Kalpesh Lathia, President of the Chamber’s NRG Committee, introduced the keynote speaker Preeti Joshi.
The seminar served as a vital platform for discussion, awareness, and education, aimed at safeguarding the interests of young women contemplating NRI marriages.
