(MOREPIC1) Vikram Ditya Sharma/ Ferozepur
In a remarkable act of compassion and social responsibility, former Jalalabad MLA Ramindra Awla and his family solemnized the weddings of 216 underprivileged girls at their own expense. The event, held after the week-long “Shri Vishnu Mahayagya” organised from November 12 to 18 at local marriage palace in Guruharsahai, , turned into a spiritual and emotional spectacle as families from across the region gathered to bless the newlyweds. The ceremony was today attended by Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, who travelled especially to offer his blessings.
The mass wedding witnessed overwhelming participation, with hundreds joining the families of the brides and grooms. Every arrangement—from seating to food to traditional rituals, was meticulously arranged by the Awla family. In an emotional gesture, the family also presented each newly married couple with essential household items to ensure they begin their new lives with dignity and without struggle.
Ramindra Awla said that had committed a promise during his visit to the flood affected villages and today, fulfilling his promise has brought immense peace to his heart. “While visiting the flood affected villages recently, many of the parents had shared that that the belongings they had gathered for their daughters’ weddings were washed away. “It was at that moment me and my family pledged to shoulder the responsibility of these daughters and perform their weddings with full honour and care”, said Awla adding that this ‘Maha Kanyadaan’ after the conclusion of the Mahayagya felt deeply fulfilling, and the happiness on the faces of the families was the greatest blessing.
Offering his blessings at the ceremony, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri said it was his privilege to visit the sacred land of gurus and to bless the daughters on their special day. Praising the Awla family’s service, he honoured Sikh traditions by tying a turban and remembering the supreme sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. He said those sacrifices are a debt upon every devotee, and he would continue visiting Punjab whenever needed.