A one-day awareness programme on “Pre-Marital Counselling in Manipur” was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and the Women Cell, Regional College, Lilong Chajing today at the Seminar Hall of the college.
The programme aimed at creating awareness on the importance of pre-marital counselling in promoting healthy family relationships, mutual understanding, and social harmony. In this awareness program, Th. Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, MSCW; Sk. Sophia, Member, MSCW; W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Member Secretary, MSCW; L. Chandrakumar Singh, Principal, Regional College; and M. Basanti Singha, Head of the Department of Manipuri and Convenor, Women Cell, graced the programme as Presidium Members.
Tiningpham Monsang stated that the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), established in 2006, is a statutory body mandated to empower women in the State. She said that the Commission works to promote and protect women’s rights and advocates for their welfare, thereby taking responsibility for addressing women’s issues in Manipur.
She informed that the MSCW deals with numerous cases, including domestic violence, harassment, and issues requiring medical intervention. While handling such cases, it has been observed that many problems originate from issues that existed even before marriage. She emphasised that before entering into marriage, both men and women should properly understand and assess each other. Many misunderstandings arise after marriage, which eventually lead to family disputes. Therefore, she stressed that pre-marital counselling for both men and women is extremely important, as it can help prevent broken families.
Appealing to the teaching and non-teaching staff as well as students of the college, she urged them to take full advantage of the awareness programme and to act as messengers by spreading the message among youth, friends, and within their communities. She further stated that building a progressive society is essential. For a society to be progressive, women must respect the rights of men, and men must equally respect the rights of women. A progressive society, she said, begins with oneself and not with others. Concluding her address, she expressed hope that students would grow into responsible individuals and contribute positively to building strong and harmonious families.
W. Phajatombi Devi emphasized the importance of pre-marital counselling for youth, stating that women should be at least 18 years old and men 21 before entering married life. She urged parents and teachers to guide young people regarding this matter. Highlighting the rising incidence of child marriages in society, W. Phajatombi noted that such practices have negative impacts on families and communities. Under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, the Women’s Commission has been actively conducting various programs to address this issue.
She further stressed that pre-marital counselling plays a crucial role in ensuring successful and harmonious marriages. Young women should carefully choose a suitable life partner, and men should likewise select the right partner. Misunderstandings after entering into a relationship can disrupt individual lives, break families, and eventually affect society. “By fostering successful marriages and happy family life, we can contribute to stronger families and a healthier society,” W. Phajatombi added.
As part of the programme, a technical session was also held. During the session, A. Noutuneshwari Devi, Retired District and Sessions Judge, spoke on “Aspects of Pre-Marital Counselling”. L. Dayabati Devi, Ex-Member, Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), also addressed the session on “Pre-Marital Counselling: Family Roles and Responsibilities”.
Faculty members, students, and invited guests participated in the programme.
Importance of pre-marital counselling emphasised
