By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: Nikahs of as many as 96 couples were solemnised at Sironj, about 120 km north of Bhopal, the capital of central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday. The Nikhas were performed under the Bharatiya Janata Party ruled state government’s Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojna.
At the mass marriage function, Madhya Pradesh Minister for Culture Mr. Laxmikant Sharma blessed the newly-weds by showering flower petals on them. The Nikahs were solemnised by Shahr Qazi Maulana Noor Mian and his ten assistants.
Madhya Pradesh Minister for Culture Laxmikant Sharma presenting a copy of the Holy Quran to one of the couple
Mr. Laxmikant Sharma presented a “Burqa” (veil) and a copy of the Holy Quran to each couple. Besides, household items worth Rs. 13,500 were given by the state government to each couple.
The newly-weds were also provided colour TV sets, mobiles, blankets, electric fans and steel water tanks separately through cooperation of all the sections of society.
Meanwhile, addressing the Nikah ceremony, Mr. Sharma said the state government’s schemes were based only on poverty and not on caste or religion. Benefits of governments schemes were extended as per eligibility to the poor of all the castes and religions, he added.
Madhya Pradesh Minister for Culture Laxmikant Sharma blessing one of the newly-wedded couple.
Referring to Teerth-Darshan Yojna, Mr. Sharma said that senior citizens above 60 years would be provided the benefits of the scheme. He reiterated his political ideology of social harmony and added he was committed to it. He said no society or area could attain development without social harmony.
He also expressed gratitude towards people of all sections of the society for participating in Nikah ceremony. People’s representatives and citizens were present on the occasion. ([email protected])