Orphan girl finds her match

Anand, Dec 14 (UNI) An orphan dumb and deaf girl, who went on to become an athlete, is getting married here today.

Radhika was 11 years old when she was found on a road by a good samaritan on May 24, 1997, at Sarsa village of Ahmedabad district, who handed her over to the Khamboraj police station. They sent her into the custody of a voluntary organisation Jagrut Mahila Sangham, run by Ashaben Dalal.

Under the patronage of the organiation, Radhika, as she was named by Ms Dalal, grew up and turned out to be a good sportsperson. She participated in a state athletic tournament in 2003, in which she stood second in 200 metres race and third in 400 metres. She also participated in the 13th national volleyball tournament.

Radhika is getting married to Gaurang, a Brahmin boy from Surendranagar. The marriage ceremony (kanyadaan) will be performed by the Gujarat Vidyapith Registrar Rajendrabhai Khimani and his wife. The ceremony will be held at 1600 hrs at Indo-Africa Hall here today.

The groom will be received by members of the Ladies Inner Wheel Club. Editor of Naya Padakar and former MP Deepak Patel will act as the guardian.

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