Dutch couple to marry as per Indian rites in Nagpur tomorrow

Nagpur, Mar 1 (UNI) A girl of Indian origin, who was adopted by a family from The Netherlands over three decades ago, will marry her Dutch groom as per Hindu rites here tomorrow.

The couple, 34-year-old Shashikala Kiers and 32-year-old Joseph Vos, both practising Christians, had a church wedding in May 2007 at their hometown Apeldoorn in Central Holland. However, they are going through the Indian wedding rites again as Shashikala has her roots in India, more particularly in Nagpur.

A local orphanage took her under its wings when she was found abandoned as a one-year-old, and later adopted by Eric and Anna Kiers from The Netherlands.

Shashikala and Jospeh flew in yesterday from Holland to Nagpur for the wedding. They are putting up at the residence of Shyamala Abroal, who was the head of the orphanage where Shashikala stayed before her adoption. Shashikala treats Ms Abroal as her mother.

''The marriage in Holland was good, but it was not complete for me. Every girl wants to get married at home. For me, this (Ms Abroal's residence) is home,'' Shashikala told UNI here today.

Although staying in Holland, Shashikala has immense attraction and respect for Indian culture and values and travels to Nagpur almost once every year.

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