Young people dedicate many years to education and career building, but they often lack sufficient preparation for the responsibilities of marriage and family. In this regard, a college in Goa has decided to launch a special certification course for youth.
This course aims to teach participants self-knowledge before entering into marriage, strengthening relationships with a partner, and understanding the duties of married life.
The course is organized by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the Goa College of Home Science. It is titled 'Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Long-Term Relationships.' College President Mahesh Pai told PTI that the course will run from December 2 to December 17, 2026. Its goal is not just to prepare young people for wedding ceremonies, but also to explain what aspects are necessary to maintain healthy and lasting relationships.
According to College President Mahesh Pai, 'Marriage Readiness' goes beyond simple wedding preparation. It includes deep self-knowledge, understanding a partner's feelings, commitment to the relationship, and awareness of the responsibilities that arise after marriage. The college brochure also raises the question of how much time young people dedicate to preparing for family life, while they might spend about 20 years on education to build a career.
A number of important topics related to relationships are covered in this course. These include goals and evolving dating methods, as well as self-analysis and mutual understanding. Furthermore, participants will be taught the difference between a wedding and a marriage, emphasizing that marriage is not just a celebration, but also a long-term partnership and responsibility.
The college indicates that the course is open not only to undergraduate and postgraduate students but also to single young people interested in building healthy relationships. This initiative coincides with the moment when the Government of Goa is also considering implementing pre-marital counseling. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated during an event in Panaji on Sunday that the government intends to start conducting preliminary consultations across the state to reduce divorce rates. According to the state's legal department, more than 3000 cases related to marriage and divorce were registered in Goa's civil courts from 2022 to 2025, with 947 such petitions filed only in 2024. Thus, the goal of this college initiative in Goa is to help young people understand the subtleties of relationships and prepare for future responsibilities.
