Help us get married, Moga youths petition panchayat

In an unusual plea, a group of bachelors, who are in their thirties, have approached the panchayat of their village, Himmatpura, in Moga district with a request to help them in finding brides.

In their request, which has gone viral, the men have written to sarpanch Badal Singh and the panchayat, saying that their age was slipping past the marriageable years but no proposals were coming their way. In their letter, they complained of being teased as “chhade” (unmarried men) and demanded that the village leadership take their plea seriously.

Interestingly, the bachelors also argued that getting them married would increase the village’s voter base, which in turn would benefit the panchayat. They have threatened to launch a protest movement if their request is ignored.

Pointing out they had supported the sarpanch and even contributed to his election victory, the men said they felt neglected now. They insisted that their marriages should be treated as a priority, even above village developmental works.

While many have found humour in the demand, others see it as a reflection of changing social dynamics in Punjab, where unemployment, an increasing drug menace and social challenges have left many young men unmarried.

The letter has quickly become a talking point online, with netizens reacting with a mix of amusement and sympathy for the unusual petition.

Sarpanch Badal Singh admitted that he had received such a letter which had been signed by about a dozen youths. “I don’t know how it went viral on social media. I will meet the families of these youths and discuss the issue,” he said.

Changing social conditions

The letter also reflects wider socio-economic issues in Punjab. Rising unemployment and the spread of drug addiction, particularly in rural areas, have made families hesitant to accept marriage proposals. Parents of girls often doubt the credibility of potential grooms due to the growing drug menace, said a police officer in Moga.