So what is it—the increasing lack of faith in marriage, or desperate measures to strengthen the institution? Delhi-based sociologist Sangi-eta Kumarr reasons out the changing attitudes. “After economic liberalisation, life has sud-denly taken an upswing. Everything has be- come too fast and youngsters these days are very careful about investing anywhere—finan-cially or emotionally. While insecurity in rela-tionships is also one of the main reasons why couples are adopting the newer means of mar-riage, the entire BPO culture is responsible for an upheaval in relationships. Issues like self-fi-nanced weddings or a contract prior to mar-riage may still not be accepted in our society, but it’s a way to save a marriage. Who wants to carry excess emotional baggage anyway?”

She also feels that understanding each other’s individual needs and seeing one an-other as separate entities have worked towards scripting a change in attitude. Pune-based dental surgeon Ashish Chakranarayan and Ludi-ana- based Dr Sapna Paul, who married four years ago, and have been together for only five months, feel their understanding of each other’s career needs has made them come closer, despite their physical separation. “Tele-phone conversations keep the romance alive, and we manage to fight over the phone too—so the marriage is normal,’’says Ashish. Maybe marriages are still being made in heaven, but the 21st century Indian couple is now acknowledging another adage too: God helps those who help themselves.

Ads By Google