Events – April 2015 to March 2016

MDS Solemnizes a Marriage

For the first time in its history, the MDS solemnized the marriage of one of its residents, an orphaned girl, Ms. Geetha. She was referred to us by Vanitha Sahayavani. She was orphaned at a very young age and was brought up by the lady of the house where her mother worked. Three years back, she was brought to Bangalore and left in the lady's daughter's house as the old lady was unable to look after her. She used to do all the house work here. Over a period of time she found the workload too heavy for her. She was ultimately brought to Vanitha Sahayavani who referred her to us. We provided her with shelter and looked after all her basic needs. Since she had no educational background, we trained her in cooking, embroidery and tailoring.

One day we were contacted by one Mr. Vinay Kumar, a Team Leader in a Software Company. He too was an orphan and was looking for a life partner. He came to know of our Organization through our website. He wanted to marry a girl who too like him had gone through hardships in her childhood. On hearing about Geeta he was quite keen on meeting her. Our senior Counsellor, Ms. Shailaja Prakash then set about checking his antecedents -his family, background and profession. Once satisfied, she discussed it with the President and the Committee members. On an appointed day a meeting was arranged between him, his family members and our President and some of our members. Once satisfied with the match, arrangements were made for a formal engagement. On 18th September 2015, an engagement ceremony was held in our premises. The wedding date was fixed for the 25 of October, 2015. Since she was an orphan, our Counsellors and Committee members took turns in educating her on the roles and responsibilities of married life.

The marriage was held on the 25 of October,16 at the Durga Parmeshwari temple in Vidyaranyapura. She was beautifully dressed by our members and looked resplendent in her bridal finery. All the members and staff willingly contributed by way of cash and kind for the marriage. The kanyadan was performed by our Treasurer, Ms Sudha Shankar and her husband, Mr. Shankar. It was indeed a very poignant moment for the members of the MDS. Today she is happily settled. Every month the couple visit us. Our Counselors and President talk to her regularly.

Subsequent to Geeta's wedding, three months later, on the 29 of January'16, another of our residents, Dakshayani got married. Her marriage was conducted by her brother. The members came forward and willingly contributed towards the marriage. Gold earrings, vessels, new clothes, etc were given to her as gifts. A sum of Rs. 20,000 towards wedding expenses were handed over to her brother. She too is leading a blissful, married life.