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Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Dial 'M' for Marriage

Saw a recent article on the increase in the number of arranged marriages especially those of Indian men working/settled in USA and Indian women in India. It is estimated that the US Consulate receives approximately 1000 visa applications per day filed by these men.
Isn’t the youth of today supposed to be against arranged marriages or at least the concept of arranged marriages? Don’t they want to know their partner for some time before they take the big step?
Recently, I received an invitation for the wedding of a school buddy. Didn’t even know he was engaged actually. Gave him a call and he told me that his folks had spoken to a family friend who suggested a girl they knew. The pictures were exchanged and after many conversations on the internet and telephone, they decided to get married. Now it may just be me but how can you decide to get married to someone who you haven’t even met in person, shared a meal, drinks, coffee and been with in public? When I raised this issue I was informed that this is a very common phenomenon these days. You can call me crazy but this doesn’t make sense.
What happened to meeting someone, asking them out, going for your first date, the awkwardness in the beginning, the suspense, the romance (or lack of) and getting to know those goofy little habits they have.
I know what you’re thinking… it’s the guys who say they’re against arranged marriages that end up being in one but not this guy!
...Not this guy!

2 Comments:

Blogger Casablanca said...

Okay, here's my take on it. I've already wondered about it and discussed with friends, and reached this conclusion:

Most indian guys overseas find themselves without much company. They long for a companion. However, either they dont find many single indian girls around and arent comfortable dating non-indians, or they are just too busy making money. Lets face it... not all indian guys are the social party animals. So well, the only way out seems to be the arranged marriage. Its almost like online dating these days... they talk and get to know each other. And then marry.

No, I dont endorse this approach.
Yes, I do understand it, though.

3:27 PM  
Blogger Big Man said...

what disturbs me is the fact that these online conversations or 'dating' is the only form of contact before they agree to get married and most of the time they meet only a couple of weeks before their wedding.

Guess time is of the essence... chat mangni pat byah!

12:04 AM  

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