This is such an exciting Journal for Loren and I. (Maybe a bit too long) Part of the reason for establishing RGI was to educate young Christian girls so that our Prakash boys would no longer say there were not any good Christian girls for wives. They meant girls who could help earn a living.
Nupi wrote this long but interesting wedding report of a Prakash alumnus and an RGI alumnus.
“Rakshita was a student at RGI for two years; she studied Computer and Pre School Teacher’s Training in the years 2014-2016. She was a bright student and very active in all extra-curricular activities. (I could see was an outstanding young lady and encouraged Nupi to invest in her.)
She later came to RGI as a teacher in 2018.
Suraj was a student of in Ref/AC Prakash in the year 2012-2014 and is working with a private company in the field of Refrigeration and Air conditioning ever since he completed his training. He is a very responsible boy and is helping his brother and sister in completing their education and also supports his family financially. His father can no longer work and his mother babysits.
Suraj was a student of in Ref/AC Prakash in the year 2012-2014 and is working with a private company in the field of Refrigeration and Air conditioning ever since he completed his training. He is a very responsible boy and is helping his brother and sister in completing their education and also supports his family financially. His father can no longer work and his mother babysits.
Suraj and Rakshita met each other in Kukde Layout church (One of the Prakash for India churches) where they were active members of the youth group and church choir. Suraj is also Rakshita’s brother’s friend as they both studied together in Prakash.
Rakshita was worried if her marriage will ever take place smoothly as it was her who chose. (A love marriage) Initially her brother was not very happy (only because he or his father didn’t get to choose) but later he understood that Suraj is a good Christian boy and will be a good husband for his sister.
The thought of getting Rakshita married was brewing in his mind for a long time, as he was responsible for financially planning for it. His father cannot work. Ever since Rakshita had her accident in February (she broke her arm) she stayed with us at our house and at RGI for some time, her brother also visited us during this time and expressed his desire to arrange for the marriage in January.
After talking to Nagesh and us we asked him to talk to his family specially father regarding this. The father expressed the desire to have the wedding during this lockdown period as it will be a restricted affair and will save a lot of expense for both the families.
Soon they were engaged in the presence of only family members and pastor in her aunt’s house.
The wedding took place on 4th of September with only 50 persons attending it. (Normally, it would be AT LEAST 500) The previous day we had the turmeric ceremony at her aunt’s house with family members. (They cover her whole body with wet turmeric. I asked WHY??? Only tradition.) She was given a yellow sari and other things like bangles from the groom’s side.
The ceremony was very well conducted by Nagesh, Padmakar got them married according to his legal license and with masks on, another pastor gave the sermon, Joy prayed for the married couple. The two grandmothers handed them each a lit candle to light the unity candle.
The three RGI students and housemother had very lovingly prepared handmade garlands for both of them. They were made by stringing puffed rice and were decorated with handmade paper flowers. They looked so beautiful on both of them!!
Sabrina was the flower girl.
They changed into Indian costumes after the marriage ceremony. They had cake to cut after that and a chicken curry lunch was served after the wedding was over. They also asked Dr. Suresh to come up to the stage and cut cake with them as it was his birthday on the wedding day.
After everything was over there was a tearful good bye to everyone in the family . . . the most difficult was between her brother and Rakshita. I am so proud of her brother for being such a responsible and caring brother, he is the one who stepped up to the plate and fulfilled financial responsibilities for his sister!
And of course, the Prakash ex-students helped him, so did Shini, Rachel and Liza in making handmade favours (the flower boutonnières) for the bride’s side, doing online shopping and many more things.
Nagesh had taken pre-marital counseling classes for them on Zoom; I also had the privilege of taking one class. It is such a joy to see two of our precious former students unite together to form a strong Christian family.
I am sure they will glorify their Saviour through their life. As of now they are living with Suraj’s family and seem to be very happy.”
