Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 12: A grand and heart-warming wedding ceremony was held at the State Women’s Home in Nittoor on Friday, December 12, marking a celebration no less elaborate than any private wedding.
The premises were adorned with a welcome arch, traditional wedding canopy, mango leaves and colourful rangoli designs, creating a festive ambience. Staff members extended a warm welcome to dignitaries and officials by offering cold drinks and rose flowers.
In a special initiative by the Department of Women and Child Development and the State Women’s Home, the marriages of two residents were conducted with full traditional rituals.
Resident Malleshwari was married to Sanjay Prabhu, son of Satish Prabhu from Mulki-Bappanadu in Dakshina Kannada. Another resident, Sushila, was married to Nagaraj, son of Mallappa from Krishnapura village, Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan district. Both weddings were performed in accordance with Hindu customs during the auspicious muhurta, with Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K performing the ceremonial Dhare.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K said the government is committed to shaping the lives of the girls residing in the Women’s Home by providing education, employment opportunities and skill training. If a suitable groom approaches and the girls consent, the authorities thoroughly verify the groom’s background before arranging the marriage.
He noted that the day’s ceremony followed all Hindu traditions, and the marriages will be officially registered afterwards. An incentive of Rs 50,000 will be deposited in the name of each bride, and the department will monitor the couple’s well-being for three years, after which the amount will be transferred to the residents’ personal accounts, he added.
Superintendent of the State Women’s Home, Pushparani, said it is often believed that matches are made in heaven, and today it feels as though marriages destined in heaven are being celebrated at the State Women’s Home. Having successfully completed 25 weddings so far, the Home proudly marked its 26th and 27th weddings with grandeur.
With the leadership of the deputy commissioner and the involvement of various departments, the event was organised smoothly. She added that as the number of weddings conducted at the Home increases, more people are approaching with proposals for the residents.
Bride Malleshwari is a third-year degree student, while groom Sanjay Prabhu holds an MCom degree and works with IBM. The second bride, Sushila, who is speech and hearing impaired, has overcome challenges and has been efficiently supporting the activities of the Home. Her groom, Nagaraj, is self-employed.
Officials confirmed that both grooms’ backgrounds were thoroughly verified and that the marriages were conducted with the brides’ consent and support from donors.
A grand meal with sweets and delicacies was arranged for the occasion. Guests blessed the newly-weds and enjoyed the feast.
The event was attended by Zilla Panchayat deputy secretary S S Kaddroli, deputy superintendent of police Prabhu D T, deputy director of the Women and Child Development Department Shyamala C K, District Information Officer Manjunath B, Women and Child Development Officer Veena Vivekananda, staff of the State Women’s Home, residents, officials of the Women and Child Development Department and several others.