Muslim Couple from Belagavi District Conduct Adopted Son’s Wedding in Veerashaiva Lingayat Tradition, Becoming a Symbol of Communal Unity
In a heartening display of communal harmony, a Muslim couple from Belagavi district organised the wedding of their adopted son according to Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions, drawing appreciation from across communities.
The wedding took place on February 8 in Hukkeri, a town located on the Karnataka–Maharashtra border. Mehboob Hasan Naikwadi, a retired KSRTC driver, and his wife Noor Jahan arranged the marriage of their adopted son Somashekar Pujeri with Poonam, following Lingayat customs. A close family friend performed the religious rituals, while the Naikwadi couple personally welcomed guests and supervised the arrangements.
Several community leaders, including Basavaprabhu Vantamuri, attended the ceremony and lauded the couple’s gesture. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vantamuri said the act stood as a model for society, especially at a time when incidents of communal discord are being reported from various places.
The story of the family dates back two decades. The Naikwadi couple adopted Somashekar and his younger brother Vasant after the boys were orphaned in a road accident that claimed the lives of their parents. With no immediate relatives to take responsibility, the children were taken in by the couple out of their own free will, despite already having children of their own.
Mr. Naikwadi was a close friend of the boys’ father, Shivanand Kadayya Pujeri, and initially tried to locate relatives who could care for the children. When those efforts failed, he and his wife decided to raise them as their own, ensuring their education and wellbeing.
Today, Somashekar is a BSc graduate and works with an aviation company in Belagavi. When he reached marriageable age, the Naikwadis began searching for a suitable alliance. Through a reference, they approached a family in Tanwad village of Gadhinglaj taluk in Maharashtra. Poonam belongs to a Veerashaiva Lingayat family, and both families agreed to conduct the wedding as per Lingayat rituals.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Naikwadi, now in his 70s, said he did not consider their actions extraordinary. “I believe everyone in this country is like a brother or sister. I am happy these children grew up in my house, got educated, and found jobs on their own. I will leave this world satisfied that I have done my duty,” he said. He added that he now looks forward to arranging the wedding of his younger adopted son, Vasant.
