Bhopal, Apr 9: 'Let's us be practical and keep away the shyness for some time. Let's be frank and understand each other'. These were approximately the words of the girls and boys eligible for marriage when they met at the Chhola Dussehra Ground under the banner of 'Unorganised Workers' Meet' organised by the BJP. It was a unique sort of 'meeting of bachelors'. They took the mike in their hands (perhaps the first time in their life) and started giving their biological data. The summer is also the season for marriages. Every year a large number of boys and girls are getting married. The BJP activists informed the gathering about the social welfare measures for the workers introduced by the state government. During the 'know each other' programme, we talked to some of the participants.

They say

Rani says her parents have registered her name. Talks for the marriage was going on with the parents of a boy from her caste. She feels that such programmes help a lot to know each other before getting married. The boy and girl get a chance to know each other while talking to each other without any hesitation.

Sachin Chourasia said his marriage was fixed. Through such a programme, he felt, poor people like him get chances to meet the would be girl. This programme of the state government really helps us. We do not have much money to meet the huge expenses on marriage. Therefore, the workers of the unorganised sector should take advantage of such programmes.

According to Rakesh Goswami such programes also give full information about marriage. Moreover, it is a chance to talk and understand each other. Such 'know each other' programme is a must for poor people like him. He said he would meet some girl in this programme and marry her with the consent of his parents.

Anil Sahu, a participant, said that the marriage is a meeting of two souls. But such programmes really helps to meet would be wife.

Prem Narayan said this programme would definitely help several workers to get their children married. During the meet, first of all, the names prospective boys and girls are registered. Only after that the boys and girls are allowed to meet each other to know and understand better.