“There is no cure for love other than marriage” accords the Irish proverb. With everyone becoming more global in their outlook and the world coming closer, the concept of castes, communities, and even religion for some, seems to be fading. The stringent rules regarding ‘whom to marry’ are also loosening up more with each day. The perfect example of this fast-growing trend is not only Bollywood but also Indians-going for inter-caste and interfaith arranged marriages. Oh yeh!Where marathi thecha meets punjabi tadka and idli sambar served with rasgullas…tangging is the new trend.
Hang on! A marriage means much more than just two people being in love. Especially in India, it includes families, points-of-view, upbringing, cultural beliefs, and much more, which can make or break a relationship. Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction, when your family supports and stands by now that’s an added feather to your cap.
Here are the reasons interfaith weddings are being well received and accepted by the society. An amalgamation of change, mutual respect, understanding and care for others sentiments with responsibility are keys to Indians progressive thinking and adaptability to interfaith arranged marriages.
- Education: a logical explanation to being humans
India is a proliferating education hub so has an added boon. Be it engineering, medicine, journalism or fashion name it and we have it. Education majorly affects our understanding widening the horizon of our imagination. “Education not only uplifts but also nurtures changes” believes G.D.Mhaske H.O.D of Biotechnology department R.Y.K Science College, Nashik. Common sense and a matter of belonging is the spite of education. Hence, education is an important factor which contributes in social harmony and peace. It enhances the prospect of cross-cultural marriage being arranged.
- Cosmo-culture: inbreeding respect and adulation
The chimes of ‘Ganpati bappa morya!’ in Maharashtra during ganesh utsav or ‘Jai mata di!in northern regions during navratri; Nagar kirtans praising Waheguru across India or Durga puja in Kolkata -Indians witness it all. In a cosmopolitan community individuals from varying locations enter relationships of mutual respect despite their differing beliefs. People understand and appreciate cultures a little bit more. They have learned how to deal with different types of people. Participate in the jubilation in full zeal. Cosmo-culture accordingly aids the bringing in of interfaith acceptance.
- Liberal mindset: optimism to progressive thinking
‘Change is law of nature, a permanent constant‘ the adage is best suited for Indians. Opening up your mind to new ideas allows you to the opportunity to change what you think and how you view the world. Laljit Kaur, 74 years being a resident over 40 years, in Delhi has observed the gradual progress in the views and mindset of society.”Liberal mindset has developed over the years in the city. The outlook is more perceiving and optimistic, conquering barriers of orthodox and prejudicial thinking. This favours marriages of couples in love openly agreed by family first and the society next,” she said.
- Modernisation and Economic growth: transformation for national integrity and unity
Modernization brings in socio-cultural transformation. It is a thorough going process of change involving values, norms, institutions and structures. Citizens are making lifestyle changes, becoming more outgoing than ever. Travelling and encountering various cultural trends, cousins, cloths and languages all contribute to acclimatizing religions more warmly.
- Happiness of the children and couples comes first: Happy you, happy me make the happy we!
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding!”, quoted Hugo. Parents of current generation are more understanding than ever. They wholeheartedly welcome the cultural trends and differences in set of morals, values, beliefs and customs. Elders don’t foist any one to bind to a particular set of norms in the name of religion. Children’s happiness is of pivotal importance to them. Indians respect others faiths and rituals and look forward to developing a cordial relationship with today’s generation. A supportive family plays a leading role to set the trend right.
Guru Nanak the first Sikh guru preached “Humanity is the best religion.” - Indians swear by it. This gives us immense pleasure to be a part of such a country where :- love knows no bounds, understanding and acceptance go hand in hand, mutual respect for all communities and faiths prevails. Proud to be an Indian where citizens stand by the thought “unity in diversity”.
