Breaking entrenched social stigmas: The collective decision by hundreds of villages marks a structural shift in rural Maharashtra's social norms, directly challenging long-standing discriminatory customs associated with widowhood.

Legal and social empowerment via affidavits: The use of signed affidavits by couples at the village level introduces a legally significant and public commitment against discriminatory traditions, potentially setting a precedent for broader social reforms.

Multi-pronged institutional support: Integration of social awareness, education, economic empowerment, and cultural programs through a government initiative like Navchetana illustrates a comprehensive strategy to reform harmful traditional practices.