Rotary and Rotaract clubs host mass wedding for underprivileged girls
For 22-year-old Meena, the daughter of a daily-wage labourer, her wedding day once seemed like a distant dream. But on Makar Sankranti this year, she stood hand-in-hand with her groom under a festively decorated pavilion in Uklana, Haryana, surrounded by blessings, music and hundreds of smiling faces, thanks to a mass marriage initiative organised by the Rotary Club and Rotaract Club of Uklana, RID 3090.
Meena was one of the 12 brides married at the large-scale community wedding hosted on January 14, aimed at supporting families who cannot afford the financial burden of traditional ceremonies. The event, now an annual fixture, was conducted with full Hindu rituals — from the jaimala (exchange of garlands) to the saat phere (seven sacred vows) amidst Vedic chants.
“It felt like a dream,” says Meena. “I never thought I would wear a bridal lehenga or be part of something so grand. They treated us like family.” More than 500 guests, including the brides’ and grooms’ families, relatives and locals, attended the celebration. Refreshments and lunch were served to all.
Each bride received a dowry-free gift kit worth ₹40,000 containing essential household items — a bed, mattress, utensils, clothing for both bride and groom, a sewing machine, and more. The couples were also gifted wristwatches, silver coins, and envelopes containing ₹1,100 in cash.
Behind the scenes, project chair Bajrang Mohan Soni, along with Vijender Garg and Sajjan Soni, worked tirelessly to bring the event together. Rotaract club president Rajat Mohan and his team ensured smooth arrangements for breakfast and lunch.
Rotary club president Mahendra Soni, speaking at the conclusion of the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, donors and attendees. “This project is not just about marriage,” he said. “It’s about dignity, equality, and giving these young women a new beginning with respect.”
The initiative, at a total cost of arround ₹6 lakh, was funded entirely through community support. The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising the compassion and coordination displayed by the clubs.
Chief guest Mohan Lal Singhal and his wife Sunita Singhal, known for their philanthropy, attended the event for the second consecutive year. Presiding over the ceremony was Kumar Tyagi, PWD officer at Hisar, accompanied by his wife. Both praised the initiative and announced donations of ₹3 lakh and ₹50,000 respectively to support similar efforts in the future.
