Ditching the ‘Big Fat’ trope, NIT-J grads-turned JEE & NEET Educators reject dowry, DJs, and baraats for a 17-minute ‘Ramaini’ ceremony; credit Sant Rampalji Maharaj’s teachings for their minimalist union.
Why did two high-earning engineers choose a humble wedding ceremony at Satlok Ashram, Dhanana Dham, over a lucrative, star-studded celebration? This is the question on everyone’s lips after Er Kamal Kumar, Chemistry Faculty at Physics Wallah and an NIT-J alumnus, and Ankita Sarawagi, a Mathematics Educator and NIT-J alumna, exchanged vows in a ceremony that defied every modern norm of extravagance.
For a duo that spends their days teaching students how to solve complex scientific equations, they decided to simplify the equation of their own lives. Speaking to reporters, Kamal pointed out a grim social reality: the “show-off” culture. “People are crushing themselves under debt for pre-wedding shoots, post-wedding parties, and designer outfits,” Kamal observed. “This leads to immense mental stress and, in some cases, even drives people toward corruption or dishonesty just to pay off those wedding loans.“
An ‘Insult to Money’
Kamal, who earns a substantial income as a Chemistry educator, was blunt about his choice. “By God’s grace, I earn well. But these glitzy displays are a waste. We want to invest in our family’s future, not destroy it for a one-day show. To me, spending on such vanity is an insult to money.” He argues that the current trend of extravagant spending is a path to destruction, whereas a wedding should be a sacred beginning.
Reviving Vedic Simplicity
The marriage followed the Adi Sanatan tradition as prescribed by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. The couple highlighted that they were merely reviving a lost path; according to the Vedas and Puranas, the marriages of deities like Brahma and Vishnu were conducted with utmost simplicity.
The Dowry Free Marriage Mission led by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
This union serves as a cornerstone for a larger social revolution. The Dowry-Free Marriage Mission led by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is actively transforming societal attitudes toward the girl child. By challenging the “paraaya dhan” (someone else’s wealth) mindset, the initiative encourages parents to invest in a daughter’s education and independence rather than counting pennies for a future endowment. This move strikes at the roots of female foeticide and dowry harassment, reframing daughters as the blessings they truly are.
The 17-Minute ‘Ramaini’
The ritual, known as ‘Ramaini,’ is a model of efficiency and equality that left onlookers amazed. The entire ceremony takes exactly 17 minutes, governed by a set of universal rules. Whether a devotee earns ₹5,000 or ₹5,00,000 a month, the ceremony remains identical, stripped of any distinctions of caste, religion, or social status.
The management at Satlok Ashram further redefined hospitality. Despite over 100 guests (Baratis) in attendance, there was zero financial burden on the couple or the bride’s family. The Ashram’s 24/7 Bhandara served free food to all, while lodging and basic necessities were provided with selfless precision. In a unique twist on the tradition of return gifts, the Ashram prepared ‘Prasad’ packs for all departing guests to ensure no one went hungry on their journey home.
True Bhakti and Education as the Real Success
The bride, Ankita, a successful NIT professional and Mathematics Educator in her own right, delivered a powerful message on self-sufficiency. She credited her parents for choosing a different path—one where they invested every penny into her education rather than a dowry fund under the guidance of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
“My education has made me capable and independent. I don’t need a dowry to secure my future,” she stated. “A father’s true gift is raising a daughter with high values for 25 years, not handing over cash or a car to the groom’s family.” Despite her modern professional background, Ankita felt no pressure to wear heavy jewelry or makeup, calling the spiritual ceremony “more luxurious than any destination wedding” because it was blessed by truth rather than material show.
A subtle highlight on Reforms by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
Kamal expressed deep gratitude toward Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, who is working day and night to establish world peace. The couple highlighted Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s unbelievable welfare schemes, specifically the Annapurna Muhim. This mission ensures that every individual has access to food, shelter, education, and medication. From paying school fees for the needy to providing monthly rations and building houses, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is encouraging a mindset where people work for the welfare of others rather than spending on “fake show-offs.”
By choosing a simple wedding, Kamal and Ankita believe they have contributed to this “Wholesome Social Welfare,” proving that a life lived according to SatGyan is a life truly blessed.
Jeene Ki Raah Book: Nourishing the Youth and Transforming Lives
The catalyst behind this social shift is the profound spiritual knowledge (SatGyan) imparted by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. Central to this change is the book “Jeene Ki Raah” (Way of Living), which has become the primary choice of the youth generation (युवा पीढ़ी की पहली पसंद बन चुकी है जीने की राह).
Transforming the Youth Mindset
The book Jeene Ki Raah is doing what textbooks often fail to do: it is steering the youth away from vices (Buraaiyon se door) and placing them on the path of spiritual and social responsibility. It teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is not the accumulation of material wealth for “show-off,” but the attainment of God through selfless living. For Kamal and Ankita, this book was the “formula” that gave them the courage to stand against societal pressure.
FAQs
Q1: What is a ‘Ramaini’ wedding?
A: Ramaini is a dowry-free, 17-minute spiritual marriage ritual conducted by reciting the sacred Guruvani of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. It focuses on Vedic simplicity and the union of souls.
Q2: Why did the couple choose Satlok Ashram over a hotel?
A: To avoid the “debt trap” of modern weddings and to follow the teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, which prioritize spiritual values over material display.
Q3: Is the book “Jeene Ki Raah” only for religious people?
A: No. Jeene Ki Raah is a manual for life that teaches moral values, how to stay away from intoxicants, and how to lead a peaceful, successful life along with true spiritual knowledge. It is highly popular among students and professionals.
Q4: What is the Annpurna Muhim?
A: It is a welfare initiative by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj that provides all basic necessities (food, shelter, education, medicine) to the needy across the world, promoting a mindset of selfless service (Sewa).
Q5: How does this wedding benefit society?
A: It challenges the dowry system, reduces the financial burden on the bride’s parents, and promotes the idea that a girl’s education is her greatest asset.

