CPI(M) leader and former education minister M. A. Baby has no inclination to celebrate. But there’s one occasion he loves to commemorate every year — his marriage to Betty Louis in the summer of 1982.
On the eve of World Marriage Day on Sunday, Baby opened up to DC, recalling those salad days, and holding forth on marriage, love and romance.
“The social institution of marriage is under challenge. When the number of broken families is on the rise, we need to highlight the beauty, fidelity and joy of married life. But don’t commercialise the day like Valentine’s” said Baby.
But what makes the Babys tick? “Mutual respect, understanding, love and commitment. We decided to live together after we got to know each other. We’ve come thus far, together”, said Baby.
Betty, a media professional, cherishes the companionship: “We don’t always agree, but we always respect each other’s priorities and decisions.
I’ve the freedom to take decisions and I have financial independence. Baby, by nature, is an ordinary man, and he likes my presence just like any other loving husband”.
Baby hails from Kollam, Betty Thrissur; both from Catholic families. The husband is an atheist, and the wife? “I’m not too sure whether God exists or not”. They have a son, Ashok Betty Nelson, who is now an assistant to music composer, M Jayachandran.
Perhaps it was Providence that saved the mother and son from the Perumon tragedy, as both were on the ill-fated Island Express on July 8, 1988. More than 100 co-passengers had drowned.
World Marriage Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of February on the theme, “Love one another”. It’s a pro-life celebration.