Marriage of destitute couples, a new beginning in life

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, APRIL 18, 2023: It was a new beginning for 13 destitute couples on Tuesday when they entered into wedlock at a mass marriage function organised by social worker Roma Reshmi Ekka who is also a ‘Sahakari Sabhadhipati’ of Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad. 

The mass marriage function was conducted at a church in Kharubhanga Basti under Phansidewa block. The initiative was taken by Roma, a tribal woman, with the support from the local tribal people. After tying the knots the couples were also provided with the marriage certificates. 

According to Roma, many tribal couples living in the tea garden areas under Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad were facing a lot of difficulties to arrange marriage ceremonies due to the financial crisis; so this event was organized keeping in view the sentiments of the society. 

She also informed that this was the first time a marriage ceremony was organised in a small manner but in the coming days more couples would be invited to join the mass marriage with support from Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad. Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority Board member Kajal Ghosh blessed all the couples, while Shankar Sarkar, Vice President of Bidhannagar II Gram Panchayat, arranged a cake for the couples. 

During this the couples including local residents, invitees and guests joined the dance programme and appreciated the initiative taken by Roma