Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Feb 12: As many as 17 couples tied the nuptial knot in a free mass wedding ceremony sponsored by Beary’s Welfare Forum (BWF), Abu Dhabi sponsored 17 at Milagres Hall here on Saturday February 11.

Mangaluru Qazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar conducted the Nikah and offered dua. Later, speaking to the gathering, he applauded the initiative of BWF. "I appreciate the social concern of BWF to facilitated the marriage of Muslim girls from economically backward families," he said.

MLA from Mangaluru North Mohiuddin Bava said, "I admire the efforts of BWF members who work in the distant land of Abu Dhabi for their livelihood and at the same time think about the downtrodden families living in their homeland here. Their service to the community in particular and to society at large is commendable."

Mohammed Ali Uchil, president of BWF said that the association came into existence in 2004 with a motive to help Beary people and preserve their culture. "We started the community wedding in 2008 and we are now in the 7th year. With 17 weddings this year, we have managed to achieve 100 weddings in all.

"The situation in the Gulf region is very bad with people losing jobs. I request the state government through MLA Bava to reserve funds for the welfare of Gulf returnees the way Kerala government has set aside a fund of up to Rs 50 crore," he urged.

Bengaluru Beary Welfare Association president B M Farooq, Bearys Chamber of Commerce president S M Rashid Haji, Bharat Infrastructure managing director Mustafa S M, president of Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy B M Mohammed Hanif, M B Abdur Rahman, B M Mumtaz Ali, Siddique Uchila, Bashir Bajpe were present, among others.

B A Mohammed Ali compered. Abdulla Madumule welcomed. Siddique Uchila proposed the vote of thanks.