While years of education and training are devoted to building a successful career, preparing for married life often receives far less attention. Seeking to bridge this gap, a Goa college has introduced a certificate programme focused on ‘marriage readiness’, aimed at helping young people understand the foundations of healthy and lasting relationships.
Titled ‘Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Lasting Relationships’, the 15-day course has been launched by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Goa College of Home Science. Scheduled to run from December 2 to 17, 2026, the programme will focus on the emotional, personal and practical aspects of marriage. College Principal Mahesh Pai told the media that marriage readiness involves much more than wedding preparations, requiring individuals to understand themselves, their partners, commitment and the responsibilities associated with married life.
The initiative comes days after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced at an event in Panaji on Sunday that the Goa Government plans to introduce pre-marital counselling across the State as part of efforts to reduce divorces. Figures from the State Law Department indicate that more than 3,000 marriage- and divorce-related petitions were filed before civil courts in Goa between 2022 and 2025, with 947 cases registered in 2024 alone.
Highlighting the need for such an initiative, the college brochure points out that people spend nearly two decades preparing for their professional careers but devote considerably less time to understanding marriage and family life. Pai said the programme aims to provide participants with an opportunity to explore the factors that contribute to a stable relationship and develop a better understanding of the expectations and challenges of married life.
The course is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, unmarried young adults and anyone interested in developing healthy relationships or preparing for marriage.