Man marries again for son, becomes father at 62

BHUBANESWAR - Worried about his lineage dying out as his son refused his pleas to produce another child, a man in Orissa married for the second time at 57 and after five years, finally has a second son who can hopefully take the family forward.

Dhaneswar Patra, a resident of Baradanga village in the state’s Kendrapara district, had a son Monday - two years after his second wife gave birth to a girl.

“I am very happy to get a son this time. I had waited for this moment for years. My joy knew no bounds after the birth of a son. I am assured that my family lineage would not come to an end here now,” Patra told IANS.

Patra already has four daughters and a son but apprehended his family lineage would end as his son had only two daughters and did not plan to have any more children, citing his wife’s health. Patra then decided to marry for the second time despite opposition from his family members and villagers.

“I married for the second time as my son could not give me a grandson who can carry forward my family tree. My son turned down my request, saying that my daughter-in-law is ailing. When I broached the topic of marrying for the second time, everyone opposed it. But I had to take this decision as it is question of my family lineage,” he said.

After marrying Tarala Patra, 40, five years ago, Patra faced more disappointment as their first child, three years after the marriage, was a girl.

But Patra did not lose hope and Tarala finally bore him a son. An elated Patra distributed sweets in the district hospital after the birth.

Patra now plans to celebrate a grand naming ceremony and a feast for the villagers.