Mass marriage for tribals

Vedanta Foundation, a non-profit organisation organised a mass marriage for 150 tribal couples on last Monday at Kumudabali near Muniguda in Rayagada district for bringing in the economically backward couples under social inclusion.

The marriage rituals were conducted in traditional fashion, followed by official registration of the same. There was no exchange of dowry or any ostentation.

Mukesh Kumar, president & chief operating officer, Sesa Sterlite Ltd said, "Vedanta has been working towards bringing socio-economically backward people to the mainstream. The unique event which saw 151 couples getting their legal rights, will go a long-way in shaping up their future and that of their children."

"The aim of this mass marriage is to promote simplicity in marriages, discourage dowry and provide a new beginning. Many couples stay together without conducting the marriage rituals due to paucity of fund. Without having a marriage certificate, they get deprived of many government schemes and their children face the problem in social inclusion," said Lona Nayak, chief operating officer, Vedanta Foundation.

Vedanta Foundation took the responsibility of all expenses of the mass marriage and gifted articles like marriage jewellery, kitchen utensils, umbrella, watch and dress material for smooth beginning of the couples' married life. The couples were also gifted fixed deposits worth Rs 5,000. With their marriages registered, the tribal couples can now avail different government welfare schemes.