Nowadays, most people delay marriage until they find someone who truly fits their ideal criteria and current lifestyle. Others don't believe being married is a good idea at all.
Sputnik India made an effort to reveal various personal perspectives and emotions about marriage that have remained misunderstood for years, even within Indian families.
Marriage Is No Longer the Only Option
Deepti Gupta, an artist from South Delhi, remains single due to the challenge of finding a compatible partner who shares her values.
''I've faced judgment from others, but I refuse to let it define me.'' Deepti firmly stands by her decision to boycott those who disapprove of her marriage choices.
Citing the Upanishads (Hindu religious texts) she recalls the story of Lilawati. When her arranged marriage was called off, she made the decision not look for another partner and to pursue a career in mathematics. This anecdote sheds light on the fact that even in the past, girls showed independence and determination rather than feeling regret or helplessness about marriage.
In response to those individuals who persistently argue that being an unmarried woman implies weakness, she confidently stated: "It is beyond their comprehension that we live our lives just like any other person, regardless of marital status.''
In this Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, file photo, Indian brides sit together for a group photograph during a mass wedding in Surat, India.
© AP Photo / Ajit Solanki
Silky Sharma (name changed), a Himachal Pradesh native who recently relocated to Delhi, believes that there are numerous reasons why individuals may avoid marriage. These reasons include but are not limited to educational and cultural disparities, the aftermath of previous relationships, lingering trust issues caused by broken family ties, and even the weight of parental responsibilities.
"Marriage is a big decision. Temporary satisfaction should not be the sole basis for lifelong commitment. It is wiser to wait until you discover a suitable partner," she told Sputnik India.
When asked what happens when finding such a match becomes a Herculean task, she said: "Perhaps, sometimes it’s better to live alone than to be alone in a relationship."
According to Suresh Sharma, an account manager in Haryana, people facing family issues are opting for live-in relationships.
He said that while these relationships are convenient and mutually beneficial, what they thrive on is understanding and trust.
''There is something, but I doubt it's marriage,'' Suresh said while discussing the meaning of life.
Making Right Choices and Embracing Responsibilities
Sputnik India spoke to an esteemed psychologist Dr. Aruna Broota to discuss whether concept of marriage is too demanding, irrelevant or obsolete.
She mentioned that nowadays, numerous forward-thinking girls and boys crave incredible experiences. They cherish relationships based on physical connection, without any obligations. And that is what they find in live-in relationships.
However, there have been instances that highlight the darker aspects of such relationships, such as the tragic case of Shraddha Walkar. In 2022, in Delhi, Shraddha's live-in partner engaged in a heated dispute with her, resulting in a chilling act where he mercilessly strangled her and dismembered her body into 35 separate parts.
According to Dr. Broota, it is possible for someone to connect with another person, captivated by their delightful personality, and develop romantic aspirations reminiscent of the picturesque love stories portrayed in movies.
Dr. Broota claims that humans have a natural inclination towards social behavior, like most other mammals. Being inherently social animals, humans tend to fear solitude. It raises the question of who would provide companionship in the absence of bonds and connections.
Dr. Broota claims that humans have a natural inclination towards social behavior, like most other mammals. Being inherently social animals, humans tend to fear solitude. It raises the question of who would provide companionship in the absence of bonds and connections.
According to Broota, many couples experience genuine love and cherish intimate moments together. However, they may frustrate their partners if they also value their individuality and appreciate moments of solitude, like watching movies or going for strolls alone.
The institution of marriage is evolving, with some embracing traditions and others embracing individualism. Time will show society's decision on whether to hold onto traditional values or embrace a more autonomous path.