- Mahesh Savani of PP Savani family has become a guardian figure for thousands of fatherless daughters, having married off 5,274 girls
- Among them are two hearing-impaired and two differently-abled brides, as well as two Muslim brides, representing 39 different communities
- Their organisation provides social, educational and healthcare support to the daughters and their families
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
SURAT, DEC 16
After having conducted the marriages of 5,274 fatherless daughters from all faiths, philanthropic PP Savani family from Surat married off 55 such girls in grandeur in a distinctive group wedding event on Saturday and Sunday.
This unique ceremony, called “Piyariyu”, is not only about marriage but also about embracing family bonds and social responsibility. Mahesh Savani of PP Savani family has become a guardian figure for thousands of fatherless daughters, having married off 5,274 girls. Over the past decade, this social initiative has inspired many, leading to similar ceremonies in Gujarat and beyond.
This year’s grand wedding event was held on December 14-15 at the PP Savani Chaitanya Vidya Sankul in Abrama, Surat, at 5:00 pm. Along with Gujarat, the daughters got married this year belong to Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Among them are two hearing-impaired and two differently-abled brides, as well as two Muslim brides, representing 39 different communities. Most of the brides have lost not only their fathers but also do not have brothers.
Commenting on this initiative, Mahesh Savani of PP Group said, “The ceremony also aims to spread social awareness. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “One Tree for the Mother” initiative, 50,000 tulsi plants will be gifted to the brides, grooms and other participants as a gesture towards environmental conservation. These plants will also carry a tag promoting organ donation awareness.”
Spiritual leader Morari Bapu and other saints, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister and State BJP President CR Paatil, other political and religious leaders, dignitaries and renowned artists blessed the newly-married couple.
Mahesh Savani highlighted that the family not only provides gifts to the brides but also takes responsibility for their well-being post-marriage. Their organisation provides social, educational and healthcare support to the daughters and their families. In the unfortunate event of any daughter being widowed, the organisation also provides financial support and takes care of the children’s education, he said.
Daughters are worshipped each year at the ceremony, but a new dimension was added this year. While the bride will be worshipped by the in-laws, the groom will be worshipped by his mother-in-law, symbolising the welcome of daughter and son respectively into the family. This gesture is unique and probably the first time where mother-in-laws perform the aarti of daughter-in-law and son-in-law.
Honeymoon and religious tours to strengthen the bond
PP Savani family also sponsored the honeymoon of the newly married couples to Kullu-Manali. This is aimed at emphasising inter-community understanding and cultivating friendships and mutual respect among couples from different faiths and communities. Moreover, to strengthen family ties, the mothers of both the bride and groom embark on a visit to religious destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Chhapaiya after the wedding. The whole trip is sponsored by the PP Savani family.
PP Savani Group school to provide high-quality education
This year’s event also marked the inauguration of Radiant English Academy, the first PP Savani Group school in Surat’s Katargam. The school will provide high-quality education based on the PP Savani family’s values of tradition and excellence.
