### 51 Couples Begin New Life Together

A remarkable celebration of compassion, dignity and social harmony unfolded at Narayan Seva Sansthan as the organisation successfully conducted its 45th free mass wedding ceremony for differently-abled and economically weaker couples at Seva Mahatirth, Liyon Ka Guda. The two-day national-level event concluded on Sunday with 51 couples beginning their new journey of married life amidst Vedic rituals and blessings.

Couples from several states of India participated in the ceremony, many of whom are living with different forms of disabilities. Some were visually impaired, some had mobility challenges, while others walked with support or had lost the use of one limb. Despite the challenges of life, these couples took the sacred seven vows before the holy fire, promising to support and strengthen each other in their shared future.

Notably, many of the participants had earlier received free corrective surgeries, artificial limbs, calipers and rehabilitation services at the institute. Through skill-development programmes such as tailoring, mobile repairing and computer training, several of them have already begun their journey towards self-reliance. For many couples, the institution also became the bridge that helped them find their life partners.

Among the couples were 25 differently-abled pairs and 26 couples from economically weaker backgrounds.

One inspiring story was that of Madhu Bhoi from Khempura, Udaipur, who is disabled in her left leg but continues to live an independent life while supporting her family through work at a beauty parlour. Her groom, Santosh Lodha from Naulana village in Indore district, suffered paralysis at six months of age but today serves as a school teacher. Their friendship began at a social event and gradually blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

Another couple, Rajesh from Morena district of Madhya Pradesh and Rajkumari from Barona village in Bhind district, also shared a story of courage and determination. Rajesh, who was born with a deformity in his legs, runs an e-Mitra centre and supports his family, while Rajkumari is hearing and speech impaired. Their meeting at a social programme eventually led to their sacred union.

The ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. with the traditional “Toran” ritual, welcoming all 51 couples with auspicious music and blessings in the divine presence of Lord Shrinathji. Later, at 12:15 p.m., the couples exchanged garlands on a beautifully decorated stage and received blessings from the institute’s founder Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’ and Kamla Devi, in the presence of President Prashant Agarwal, Director Vandana Agarwal and Palak Agarwal.

A unique spiritual atmosphere was created as 51 sacred fire altars were arranged, where 51 priests conducted the wedding rituals under the guidance of a chief acharya. Donors, social workers, representatives from different branches of the institution and family members witnessed the historic moment.

Each newly married couple was also presented with essential household items to help them start their new life, including a bed, bedding, cupboard, utensils, gas stove, dinner set, fan and wall clock. Guests and donors also gifted ornaments such as mangalsutra, bangles, earrings, anklets, rings and beauty accessories.

Cultural performances depicting the divine weddings of Shiva-Parvati and Krishna-Rukmini added grandeur to the occasion. The emotional atmosphere peaked during the symbolic farewell ceremony, as the newlywed brides were bid farewell with heartfelt blessings.

The venue resonated with devotion as representations of five forms of Lord Krishna — Dwarkadhish, Sanwariya Seth, Khatu Shyam, Vitthal and Shrinathji — graced the ceremony, followed by divine representations of Ganesh with Riddhi-Siddhi, Krishna-Rukmini, Shiva-Parvati, Ram-Janaki and Vishnu-Mahalakshmi, whose blessings were invoked for the couples.

Addressing the gathering, Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, said the organisation’s mission goes far beyond conducting weddings.

He stated, “Our aim is not only to arrange marriages but to give differently-abled individuals dignity, confidence and an opportunity to lead a self-reliant life. When society moves forward with compassion and service, the vision of a harmonious and empowered India becomes a reality.”

Chief guests Darshana Mehta, Yash Mehta and Om Prakash Soni, along with several social workers, donors and guests, attended the ceremony.

Notably, Narayan Seva Sansthan has so far organised weddings for 2,510 differently-abled and underprivileged individuals, most of whom are now living happy and dignified family lives.