By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Kozhikode: “The mass charity activities can bridge the gaps between the communities,” said Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, and added, his government is obliged to promote such mass programmes in a bid to ensure communal harmony across the country.
“A change in the mindset of the people is needed. People need to actively engage in the charitable/charity activities and extend possible relief to the underprivileged sections,” Naqvi said while inaugurating a mass wedding programme – titled Mahr – organised by the Gold Hill Arts and Sports Club in Kasargod district of Kerala.
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurating the mass wedding programme
“While the rich people spend crores to hold weddings, the poor are left to suffer as they often run out of wealth. Missions like Mahr make their dreams into reality,” the minister was all praise to Mahr organisers.
Organisers said the club conducted mass wedding for those who cannot afford the expense of wedding. “We are against dowry, extravaganza and regressive customs,” said a member of the club.
The ceremony was presided by the club president by Iqbal Abdul Hameed. Jamia Markaz and A P Aboobacker Muliyar, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama All India general secretary Kanthapuram, led the Nikah ceremony. Karnataka Minister for Health U T Khader, MLA Moitheen Bava and former minister Cherkkalam Abdulla also attended the mass wedding.
The function hosted the wedding of 17 couples, belonging to various religions from across the district.
Each bride was given 40gms of gold, a wedding dress, and an auto rickshaw for the livelihood of the new family. The vehicle would be registered in the name of the bride, and the registration certificate would be kept at the club for three years, the members said. “This is to prevent the husband from selling the vehicle,” he added.
The club had set aside 70 lakh for the function. This is the third edition of Mahar. “The album of Mahar 2013 was recently released by Sushma Swaraj, the External Affairs Minister,” said a member. In 2013, the club sponsored the wedding of 20 couples.
The club also helps build houses and fund the education and treatment of the poor.