Bhawanipatna: The marriage between Sagarika and Harinarayan solemnised here Sunday has opened the doors for a happy life for the girl who was ostracised by her kin.
Sagarika was deserted by her lover. Thereafter, rejected by her family and relatives she took shelter at a short stay home here.
At a time when she was spending days like nights and all the moments in between were filled with wonder and prayer for a better future, Harinarayan, a resident of Khadalpada in Subarnapur district, came forward to give all the happiness she needed — a home, a family and a life partner.
“Should one suffer entire life for a single mistake? We knew God would hear her prayers. We always prayed for her well being. And lo, the day has come and she has a life partner,” the staff of the shelter home said.
Love Heals
“Courage is required to accept an ostracised girl. And the courage Harinarayan showed in accepting Sagarika is worth a million smiles. He has set an example for others,” some others observed.
There are many such girls who are duped by their lovers, are victims of acid attacks and are languishing in short stay or shelter homes across the state. Like Harinarayan, more youths should come forward to make their lives worth living, locals said.
Durga Shankar Mahapatra, Jayshree Mahapatra and more than 50 inmates of the short stay home took part in the marriage ceremony.
District Legal Aid Services secretary Indira Priyadarshini, District Child Welfare Committee chairman Rajesh Kumar Nayak, Regional Transport Officer Dinabandhu Shundhi, Managing Director of Vikash College and many other prominent citizens attended the ceremony as guests and blessed the couple.
PNN