Here’s How Social Media Helped Differently-Abled Odisha Girl Find Her Match

Sambalpur: Social media may have all its disadvantages, but it has become a unifier for two differently-abled persons — Laxmirani Tripathy from Sambalpur and Mahabir Prasad Shukla from neighbouring state Jharkhand.

The duo came to know each other from Facebook six months ago and got married here on Sunday.

Laxmirani (43) and Mahabir (48) are both speech and hearing impaired since birth. After completing matriculation, Laxmirani has done sewing and beautician courses while Mahabir works as an electrical contractor.

Despite meeting on Facebook six months ago, they were unable to talk on the phone. They exchanged messages on phone and got to know each other well. The couple even used WhatsApp video calls using sign language.

“My aunt found Mahabir Ji on Facebook and they remained in touch over different social media platforms. After interacting for some time, my aunt informed her decision to marry. The groom’s family also agreed for the marriage,” Laxmirani’s 21-year-old nephew Arnava Babu said.

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