Young people spend many years studying and preparing for careers, but often do not prepare separately to understand the responsibilities of marriage and family life. Keeping this need in mind, a college in Goa has taken the initiative to start a special certificate course for the youth. The course titled ‘Marriage Readiness: Preparing for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship’ will provide information on how to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally before marriage, how to understand your partner and how to create mutual harmony in the relationship.
This course is being launched by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Goa College of Home Science. According to Mahesh Pai, principal of the college, it will be organized from 2 to 17 December 2026. In this 15-day program, the youth will be taught important things related to married life and family.
What is the purpose?
Its purpose is not limited to wedding preparations. This will prepare the youth to understand the responsibilities of relationships, respect each other’s feelings and face the challenges that come after marriage.
What was the reason behind starting this initiative?
The course is being launched in Goa at a time when the state government is also considering setting up a system of pre-marital counselling. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said at a program in Panaji that the government wants to start pre-marriage counseling across the state. Its aim is to help reduce problems in marital relations and prevent divorce cases. According to data from the state law department, more than 3,000 cases related to marriage and divorce were registered in civil courts in Goa between 2022 and 2025. Out of which 947 cases were reported in 2024.
Who can apply?
According to college principal Mahesh Pai, graduation and post graduation students can apply for this course. Apart from this, single youths and others who want to build healthy relationships can also participate.
The goal is to develop an understanding of relationships
There are many reasons for delaying marriage in today’s times like career, financial pressure, higher education and finding a suitable partner. Even after marriage, relationships can be strained due to work, distance, family responsibilities and mutual expectations.
In such a situation, it is considered necessary to inform the youth about aspects like emotional understanding, mutual respect, negotiation and resolving differences through pre-marital counseling. The aim of the course is not to pressure the youth for marriage, but to enable them to understand relationships and make decisions about their future.
