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Matchmaker with a difference

Through his unique journal, `Vaishnav Ratne', Ananda Bhat has made 600 marriages possible

ENTERPRISING! Ananda Bhat unites people in matrimony

Karanakodam's only claim to fame is perhaps its jasmines and thriving Konkani community. This place, off the main thoroughfares of Ernakulam, provides the backdrop for V. Ananda Bhat's unique journal Vaishnav Ratne.' This journal, which Mr. Bhat edits, aims to propagate the values and causes dear to the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community.

Mr. Bhat is a multi-faceted personality. Several years ago he had worked as a film actor, doing small roles in films like `Ajayanum Vijayanum,' `Parijatham,' and `Sakakale Munnot.' It must have been an offshoot of his early interest in drama.

Chennai, a city that gave wings to his film dreams, also introduced him to the concept of the mobile circulating library. On his return to Ernakulam he undertook to run a library on similar lines here. His library operated in Panampilly Nagar, Giri Nagar and Kadavanthara and on the payment of a membership charge of Rs.10 a month, you could borrow as many as 24 magazines, which Mr. Bhat would deliver, at your home on a bicycle. The library ran for seven years from 1980 to '87, but with the rising popularity of "television and cable networks, the demand for reading materials decreased", says Mr. Bhat.

So he switched over to stocking and selling provisions modelling his business along the same lines. Orders were requisitioned, a small four-wheeler was acquired to transport and display the items and Mr. Bhat would deliver them at one's doorstep. "Much of the stuff was homemade but there was a good demand for it", he says. However, he gave up because the exacting work affected his health.

At this time the community was on the look out for `vaidiks' who could supervise children in the community `math,' Sanskrit `pathasalas' in Ambalamedu and Varanasi. And Mr. Bhat opted for this. After a stint as supervisor he was back and embarked on a venture that brought him recognition. All the while he had noticed that the community could do with a journal to help disseminate information on matters of interest to it and so started the `Vaishnav Ratne' in 1999. Beginning in a small way, this Konkani bimonthly in Malayalam, was hand delivered in Kochi, Ernakulam, Thammanam and Alappuzha. With the acquisition of a postal licence it turned into a monthly and reached more places. It has an all India circulation now. The magazine, priced at Rs. 8 a copy, has articles on GSB temples, practices, festivals and traditions, besides a Malayalam-Konkani dictionary, community news and much more.

Publishing horoscopes

It has, however, won its greatest popularity by publishing horoscopes of individuals looking for marriage partners. The GSB's in many places have never had a marriage bureau and traditionally partners are found through personal interaction with relations and friends. There has also been a preference for people from the same place because that way "families could be sure of the background of the party with whom they formed an alliance." The ideal girl, Mr. Bhat adds, is still a homemaker and though additional income is welcome, there is always a desire to balance both these qualities. But making contacts outside is difficult. His is perhaps the first organised attempt in the community here to help in this area and `Vaishnav Ratne' publishes in every issue numbered horoscopes of eligible candidates with details of their qualifications and work. But no name or family data is included. Readers interested in a particular horoscope can contact Mr. Bhat who provides them with the additional information "So far our efforts have led to the conduct of 600 marriages," says Mr. Bhat.

The magazine also encourages Konkani writing and has instituted `Vaishnav Ratne' awards for travel writing, essays, poetry, novels and stories. "My wife is my private secretary," says Mr. Bhat. Friends occasionally help out in proof reading etc. but the magazine largely remains a one-man show. Evidently Mr. Bhat has many reasons to derive satisfaction from its performance.

PRATIMA ASHER

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