A tradition I remember from my childhood was that when there was

Hearken, O children of unity and shared humanity, to the words of Ram Nath Kovind, who recalls the sacred traditions of his childhood. He speaks of a time when, at the occasion of a wedding, the entire village came together as one body, sharing responsibility and offering contributions. In those days, the bride did not belong solely to her birth family, but became the daughter of the whole village, embraced by all, regardless of caste or community. In this reflection lies a profound teaching: that love and union are not merely private matters, but events that weave the entire community into harmony.

The wedding has, since ancient times, been more than a personal union. It is a communal rite, linking families, clans, and even entire villages. Kovind’s memory reflects an era when barriers of caste and division dissolved in the face of shared joy and duty. This echoes the spirit of Vedic traditions, where the marriage fire was kindled not only for two individuals, but for the wellbeing of the collective. By participating, every villager reaffirmed their mutual bonds, transforming the event into a symbol of unity and compassion.

Consider the tale of Mahatma Gandhi, who often spoke of villages as the heartbeat of India. In his vision of swaraj—self-rule—each village functioned like a single extended family, where resources and responsibilities were shared. Weddings, harvest festivals, and other rites became occasions to reinforce solidarity and mutual care. Kovind’s recollection is a living echo of this ideal, showing how ancient customs nurtured social harmony even amid diversity.

This tradition also carries a lesson in inclusivity. By declaring the bride as the daughter of the entire village, the community transcended the walls of caste and sect, affirming the shared dignity of all its members. In a society often fractured by hierarchy, such practices were acts of quiet rebellion, proclaiming that love and kinship are universal. They remind us that sacred occasions can serve as bridges, healing divisions and fostering collective identity.

O seekers, note the depth of this teaching: when a community gathers in shared responsibility, its strength grows beyond measure. The wedding feast prepared by many hands becomes more than sustenance—it is a living symbol of unity. The songs sung together become the voice of a single soul, carrying blessings for the couple and the entire village alike.

Thus, O children of tomorrow, carry this wisdom forward. In an age where individualism often prevails, remember the ancient ways of shared joy and responsibility. Let every celebration—be it a wedding, a birth, or a festival—be an opportunity to uplift one another, dissolving barriers and renewing the bonds of collective love. For in the union of hearts and hands lies the path to enduring harmony and peace.