Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, which was established in 1994 by PNC Menon and Sobha Menon to run various philanthropic projects (including the CSR programs of SOBHA), has completed its annual dowry-free wedding ceremony.
This year's event was held on 13 July in Moolamcode and marked the 14th year of the initiative. Since its inception in 2008, the community wedding event has facilitated 697 dowry-free weddings for young couples from families lacking resources.
This community wedding event was graced by Sobha Menon, Bindu Menon and other well-known dignitaries, in which thirteen couples from the Palakkad region tied the knot in the ceremony, which included traditional rituals and festivities.
The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden and social stigma associated with dowry, particularly for families below the poverty line. The Trust has introduced additional support measures, including marriage counselling, post-marriage assistance, and kitchenware to help the newlyweds establish their households. Additionally, each bride received a traditional gift of 36 grams of gold, from the Trust.
PNC Menon, Chairman Emeritus of Sobha, commented on the initiative: “Our dowry-free wedding program underscores our dedication to fairness and community welfare. We remain committed to supporting these couples as they start their new lives without any burden of dowry.”
In addition to the dowry-free wedding program, the Trust is involved in several social welfare and community development initiatives, including educational scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and community infrastructure projects across Kerala.
In a recent inauguration event held in March 2024, the Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust celebrated “Grihshobha 2024”, wherein the keys were handed over for its first set of 100 homes at no cost to the beneficiaries, and foundation stone laying was done for another 120 homes of the promised 1000 homes to women from resource-limited families.
PNC Menon has also pledged Rs 1,000 crores as philanthropic contribution towards the development of the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, emphasising the Trust's commitment to sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for communities across India.
As the Trust marks this milestone, it continues to focus on its mission of promoting social welfare and community development, aligning with PNC Menon’s vision of an equal and inclusive society.
