Two Surat-based businessmen set a different kind of example in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by hosting a mass wedding for 111 brides who had lost their fathers.
The brothers, Mahesh Savani and Raju Savani are well-known real estate developers in Surat, which is considered one of the fastest growing cities in India. The duo literally adopted 111 ‘daughters’ and hosted a grand marriage ceremony on Sunday at a school compound in the diamond city of India.
Savani brothers belong to leuva Patel caste and hail from Raparada Village of Bhavnagar district in Saurashtra region. They made it a point to involve girls from all walks of life, irrespective of their caste, region and religion. On Sunday, the the two proud “fathers of the brides” gave away the ‘daughters’ from Gujarat and other States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal. Three Muslim girls were also married off in the mass wedding.
Generally, in every community, parents give gifts to their daughters as per their capacity, so the Savanis arranged for gifts worth Rs4.5 lakh for every bride. The gifts included gold and silver ornaments, utensils, furniture and other household items.
“Today more than 50,000 people had a grand lunch to celebrate the weddings of my 111 daughters coming from different backgrounds,” said 44-year-old Mahesh Savani while, talking to The Pioneer, adding that he was not doing any favour to the newlywed couples as he considered this gesture as giving back to society.
“Our grandfather migrated from arid Saurashtra region to Surat with Rs70 and later on went on to become a successful businessman. God has given everything to us, now it is our duty to help others,” said 41-year-old Raju Savani.
A Muslim groom Arif, who tied the knot with Naheda Banu, said that Savani brothers not only helped Banu and her family, but also set an example of communal harmony. On the other hand, Banu considers Mahesh as fatherly figure and prayed to almighty 'Allah' for his better health and prosperity. Many other brides also expressed same sentiments for Savani brothers, who not only arranged their marriages but also gave all the necessary things required for home.
