20-yr-old orphan girl enters into wedlock

HUBBALLI: The State Home for Women at Shiradinagar, Hubballi, wore an unusual look on Thursday. Its premises was decorated with buntings and flowers, making the atmosphere celebratory. The occasion was special for one of its inmates Laxmi, a 20-year-old orphan girl, who entered into wedlock.
Laxmi has been in the facility, run by the women and child development department, for the past two years.At 7, the girl from Andhra Pradesh was sheltered at Balamandir. On turning 18, she was shifted to the State Home for Women which shelters destitute women and persons with learning disability.
The State Home for Women took the initiative and arranged the marriage between Laxmi and Vinayak, a resident of Navanagar, Hubballi. Shanta Naik, superintendent of state home for women, said, “Usually, people come here looking for bride. Vinayak came here six months ago and expressed his willingness to marry Laxmi. After a series of talks with his family members and our department, we finally got the permission to conduct the marriage. Laxmi also gave her consent.”
Vinayak, an electrician, said, “I liked Laxmi and decided to marry her. My parents and family members have also accepted her and gave their consent to the marriage. I am really happy to marry Laxmi.”
More than 200 guests were present at the wedding, said Shanta.
Rotary Club (South) made arrangements for food and Jain Seva Samithi took the responsibility of setting up the pandal and shaamiyana for the wedding. Dr Gangubai Hangal Music Foundation held a music concert during the wedding.