Raipur / Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today blessed 31 differently-abled couples at a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Viklang Chetana Parishad. He wished all the newlywed couples a happy married life, stating that this event is an excellent example of social harmony and the upliftment of differently-abled individuals.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Swami Vivekananda had said that serving mankind is serving God. This event is also an excellent example of serving these God-like differently-abled individuals. He appreciated the council for successfully organizing this event for many years and called it an initiative that brings about positive change in society.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai described the mass wedding ceremony for the differently-abled as a significant step towards inclusivity and equality in society. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that serving the differently-abled is not just a social responsibility, but the greatest act of merit. He said that this event is not only a symbol of a new beginning for 31 newlywed differently-abled couples, but also inspires society to be sensitive and supportive towards the differently-abled.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is running the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, under which each couple is given assistance of Rs. 50,000. If both husband and wife are differently-abled, they are given financial assistance of Rs. 100,000 under the Divyang Vivah Protsahan Yojana. He said that the government is committed to the empowerment of the weaker sections of society, especially the differently-abled.
Special Emphasis on Women’s Empowerment
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, mentioning the state government’s ambitious Mahatari Vandana Yojana on this occasion, said that approximately 70 lakh women in the state are being provided with financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month. 12 installments of this scheme have been released so far, providing economic support to the mothers and sisters of the state.
He said that daughters are the pillars of society. They not only unite the family but are also the bearers of values. The Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Yojana, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has completed a decade, resulting in unprecedented success in the empowerment of girls.
Mass Wedding: An Example of Social Harmony
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that mass weddings have become a part of social tradition and are increasing awareness in society. He appreciated the contribution of various social organizations like Kanya Kubj Brahmin Samaj, Marwari Yuva Manch, Senior Citizen Welfare Forum in this event and said that such events promote the spirit of unity and cooperation in society.
Serving Humanity is the Greatest Dharma
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that serving humanity is the greatest dharma and serving the disabled is a matter of good fortune. He encouraged all volunteer organizations to organize such social harmony-enhancing events and congratulated the organizing committee for the grand and inspiring program.
Chief Minister’s Blessings to the Newlywed Couples
Chief Minister Shri Sai blessed all the newlywed couples, saying, “May your married life be happy, may you move forward with love and faith. I wish all the newlywed couples best of luck.”
Special Attraction: Cultural Presentation by Differently-Abled Children
On this occasion, deaf and mute differently-abled children of ‘Koplavni’ presented a cultural dance performance on Chhattisgarhi songs. Their talent mesmerized everyone. Chief Minister Shri Sai and the guests present appreciated the children’s art and encouraged them.
Chief Minister Shri Sai appreciated the work of the Akhil Bharatiya Viklang Chetana Parishad and said that the government will continue to strive for the rehabilitation, medical care and self-reliance of the differently-abled.
On this occasion, the National Executive President of the Parishad, Dr. Vinay Pathak, blessed the newlywed couples and said that the Parishad is continuously working towards the empowerment of the differently-abled with public cooperation.