“Environment First, Efforts Must” True to this vision, Green Circle inspired a team of young volunteers from BMS IT & M in Yelahanka, Bangalore, to participate in a mass marriage event organised by People’s Trust. This annual mass marriage, now in its 23rd year, brought together 27 couples along with their families, relatives, and friends to celebrate this unique occasion. Held in a rural setting, the event was a collaborative effort by a committee of various village leaders under the banner of People’s Trust. The couples were selected based on moderate and low-income backgrounds, as per their applications for the mass marriage. The goal of People’s Trust is to minimise costs related to food and expenses that would have arisen if each marriage were conducted separately. Approximately 5,000 people attended the event, all under one roof. Each couple received essential items such as utensils, provisions, wedding garments, garlands, and Mangalya, with local donors generously contributing to make the event possible. Couples were required to pay a nominal registration fee of ₹500, and nothing more. In preparation, the village committee met multiple times over four months to ensure everything was organised.

Last year, Green Circle noted that about 10,000 one-litre PET bottles were used, with only a quarter of each bottle being consumed by guests. As a result, they recommended scrapping PET bottles altogether. However, this proposal could not be implemented for convenience reasons, but the committee discussed the issue extensively and ultimately decided to use half-litre bottles instead. Green Circle was pleased to hear this decision. On the day of the event, Green Circle extended its voluntary services to assist with the organising efforts. A total of 50 BMS IT volunteers actively participated, helping with tasks such as arranging flowers, assisting couples, and serving food. This year, there was a noticeable reduction in waste. Even the plates used were made from dry leaves, and natural foods were served during the marriage ceremony. Crowd management posed another challenge, as the number of guests exceeded expected levels. On the first day, volunteers served water in paper cups; however, due to the hot weather, the demand was so high that the cups ran out before the event ended. Consequently, on the wedding day, half-litre PET bottles of water were distributed instead. Volunteers collected leftover water from each bottle and sent the PET bottles for recycling, while repurposing the collected water to water the plants in the area. By the end of the day, volunteers felt a sense of satisfaction in contributing positively to Mother Earth. Harish Uthaiah, Managing Trustee of People’s Trust, while thanking the volunteers, expressed interest in making the mass marriage a model eco-friendly event next year, as they prepare to celebrate the silver jubilee of this initiative soon.