QUES . Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 150 words, 10 Marks
HINTS:
Marriage is one of the deepest and most complex human relationships. It is the cornerstone of a society. In fact, marriage is a miniature social system.
But gradually it is loosing value in modern India. Increasing divorce rates, delayed marriages and growing acceptance of live-in relationships acknowledge this fact.
Why marriage is losing its value in Indian society?
First and foremost could be economic instability which is haunting most of the current youth.
Moreover, in the Indian context, caste and class also play a role when it comes to choosing a marriage partner. Among youth, those who are willing to get married want a life partner from a similar income background, class, status, and educational bracket.
The youth with higher education don’t aspire to get married early. These days becoming a single father/mother is also not considered taboo and many consider a single lifestyle “woke” and modern. The difficulty in finding the right partner with physical and emotional compatibility is another daunting reality of our society that makes most of the youth underconfident in entering matrimony.
Nowadays marriage is no longer seen as a religious obligation but as a means for the companionship of two individuals. Also there is growing acceptance of live-in relationships. It challenges the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage as a sacrament.
The growing consumerism and materialism has created a culture of competition, comparison, and dissatisfaction among many Indians who seek happiness and status through money. It has affected the expectations and demands of marriage partners, leading to conflicts and dissatisfaction.
The increased incidences of divorce has challenged sacred notions of indissolubility and permanent union beyond life (janam janam ka saath) .
Pre-marital sex and demands of same-sex marriages are becoming more acceptable than before also challenging sacramental values attached.
The lifestyle and influence of the celebrities is also playing its part.
Marriage in India still holds its substantial importance
Inspite of the above factors marriage is still a preserved value in Indian society. Marriage is still considered as sacrosanct in India particularly in rural and town areas. Religious customs still continue in most marriages. Elaborate wedding rituals and ceremonies continue to be an integral part of Indian weddings. Marriage is still seen as the institution through which families are formed and sustained.
Thus, it can be said that despite changes, marriage continues to hold cultural significance in India, and many people still view it as a sacred institution. However, the forces of globalisation and westernisation have undoubtedly influenced the perception of marriage as a sacrament in modern India.
