Five years ago, Preeti’s world collapsed in a matter of days. At just 23, she lost her husband to Covid-19 after a struggle to save his life. Left with two young children and an uncertain future, she suddenly found herself carrying the weight of an entire household alone. The pandemic had not only taken away her partner but also shattered the security of a young family. In those desperate days, as the family searched frantically for Remdesivir injections, a young man named Shivamsingh Thakur stepped forward to help. Despite every effort, Preeti’s husband could not be saved. Yet the bond forged during that tragedy would eventually transform both their lives. With limited education and no stable source of income, Preeti faced an uphill battle. Shivamsingh encouraged her to continue her studies, helped her gain training in the pharmaceutical field and supported her in finding employment.

 

What began as an act of compassion gradually evolved into a relationship built on trust, understanding and shared resilience. Over time, Shivamsingh made a decision that would redefine Preeti’s future. He expressed his willingness to marry her and embrace not only her, but also her two children as his own. The couple chose to move forward despite social prejudices and opposition from sections of Shivamsingh’s family. Their marriage was solemnised at Rani Laxmi Auditorium in Laxmi Nagar on Wednesday, marked more than a marriage. It symbolised the triumph of hope over grief and humanity over social barriers.

 

The ceremony was organised by the Sobat Palakatva Foundation, established by Sandip Joshi, former Member of Legislative Council, during the pandemic to support widows and single mothers between the age of 19 and 25 years. Under its ‘Swayamsiddha Parenting’ initiative, the foundation verified the couple’s circumstances and facilitated the marriage. Joshi and his wife Devyani, who had accepted guardianship of Preeti, performed kanyadaan. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis graced the ceremony and blessed the newly-wed couple. Neeta Thakre, Mayor; Leela Hatibed, Deputy Mayor; Shivani Dani-Wakhare, Chairperson, Standing Committee; Dayashankar Tiwari, BJP City President; Sanjay Bhende, Member of Legislative Council, also were present.