CHENNAI: Shree Geeta Bhavan Trust and Tamil Nadu Differently Abled Federation Charitable Trust, came together to celebrate the mass marriage of 61 couples in the city. The trust has been conducting this scheme for the last seven years and has been a part of giving a new life to many persons with disability and to those from economically weaker sections of the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Goel, managing trustee, traced the journey of the trust and their contributions to the society. “This trust was founded by our forefathers — Uggarsen Goel and Hari Gopal Agarwal. This being the 47th year of our continued charity activities, we are trying our best to continue doing them,” he said.
It was in 2010 that the Slum Dwellers Federation and Tamil Nadu Differently Abled Federation Charitable Trust approached the trust in conduct weddings for a couple. Having performed 34 marriages that year, and several more during the consecutive years, today the trust has been successful in conducting 349 marriages.
The couples that applied for the scheme were shortlisted after scrutinising their applications and documents. Those selected were given an opportunity to meet their partners and families. From 5,000 applicants, the organisers narrowed it to 61 couples, who were then given a series of counselling sessions, and consultations with gynaecologists, physicians, psychologists, lawyers. They also had to undergo clinical tests and screening.
“I cannot contain my happiness, it is such a wonderful thing that the trust is doing. My daughter got to choose her partner, and she is also very happy. It is such a blessing,” expressed Mariamma, whose daughter Murugalakshmi tied the knot on the occasion.
The marriage which was performed according to the Hindu vedic sastra rites saw each of the couple get a homakundam. The couples were further given a gold mangalyam, silver metties, artificial jewellery, muhurtham dress, casual dress, pooja vessel, cooking vessel, and household materials complete bed comforts and groceries for two months.
The marriage was conducted in the presence of O Panneerselvam, Deputy Chief Minister; V Saroja, Minister of Social Welfare; SP Velumani, Minister of Municipal Administration of Special Programmes; K Pandiarajan, Minister of Tamil Languages, and V Arunroy, IAS, State Commissioner for differently abled department.