INTER-FAITH
MARRIAGES IN INDIAN SOCIETY
Anyone vaguely familiar
with ‘Bollywood’ the hub of Indian cinema has read about interfaith marriages
of celebrities. The recent wedding of Saif Ali Khan with Kareena Kapoor is an
example that celebrities are least bothered with this issue. Perhaps the
underlying notion is a common cinematic dialogue; “an artist has no religion.
Whatever the reason may be; the rest of the society is not at par with the
conduct of celebrities when it comes to this sensitive issue. Interfaith
marriages are not easy anywhere in the world but the rest of the habitants of
this blue ball have progressed much better than their Indian counterparts.
After the Second World
War; a Jew marrying a Christian was unthinkable and for the majority even a
grave sin. Today in United Kingdom or USA this matters hold little relevance
and examples of interfaith marriages are in abundance. The underlying factor is
that grip of religion on society in general has weakened. Clergy controls
little thanks to a truly secular system and Government.
The same is not true
for India; in India despite being the world’s largest democracy and a secular
country has not yet embraced secularism in letter and spirit. It is true that
several religious groups exist in India but all of them more or less are more
religious than actually thought. The Hindu religion is still dominated by the
Brahmins and Pundits maintain control over the temples. But their domain
stretches beyond the temple walls as common people hold in great reverence the
clergy and they are often considered a medium through which ‘God’ or ‘gods’
will answer their prayers.
When we focus our attention to Moslems or Christians
living in India; they have the same regard for their clerics. Perhaps being a
minority they feel that it is essential to maintain close liaison with God
through their ‘Molvis’ or ‘Pastors’. The bonding also is facilitated by
occasional discriminatory incidents in the society. Thus religion is deeply
embedded in the Indian society and its people.
We are concerned with
the religious implications of interfaith marriages; our purpose is to
understand the social stigmas associated with the whole issue. It is a known
fact that Christians consider marrying a Sikh or a Hindu a grave sin and vice
versa. Our Indian Law however prohibits no such relations or marriages in any
form. But laws are made for people and when people in general do not value or
agree with the law; its enforcement often remains a fantasy.
We do not advocate
nor disown the practice of such marriages. However there is an ugly truth
buried deep down in the ground that violence follows interfaith married couples
like death follows its victim. Everyone is free to do as he or she pleases and
this includes the measures necessary for creating a congenial environment so
that an individual can do as he or she pleases without fear of repercussions
from any quarter.
I just watched a show on TV where many different Newlyweds were followed for one year to see how their marriage would survive. One was Indian living in the US, the husband was US born and raised. Of all the couples, they were voted most likely to survive.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article. I guess I never knew this.
ReplyDeleteI will never agree with it, but have to accept it, even tho I really believe everyone should be "allowed" to be with who ever they want!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post. I love stopping by your blog as I am bound to learn something new.
ReplyDeleteInter faith marriages are barely tolerated anywhere in the world--it is just hidden within the family better-and in the US and probably England-the families eventually figure that they don't really want to lose their son's or daughters-so they give in and accept ot.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I always learn something new from not only your post, but from the amazing comments as well.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your articles because I learn so much that I didn't know about Indian culture. Sadly, most of what I know or believe about the culture is gathered from television so it is nice to become better educated here. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis works a bit better in the US, these days.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to learn about the Indian culture, thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
ReplyDelete