‘With time, dimensions of marriage change’

After the success of the first Vivah Parishad held last year, Marathi magazine Miloon Saryajani is all set for the second meet to discuss marriage and related issues on January 23. The theme this year will revolve around the ‘dreams and realities of married life’. Social activist and former editor of Miloon Saryajani, Vidya Bal, shares her views with Bhagyashree Kulthe on the issue and the need for an open forum to discuss marriage-related issues.

What is the need for Vivah Parishad?
Over time, issues related to marriage or family life have changed drastically. Educated youngsters have now become more aware and conscious of their decisions. However, not only has this awareness posed new questions, but has also led to a rise in insecurities concerning marriage among the youth, which have led to new concepts like live-in relationships. With the changing times, the concept of marriage also needs to be reformed. The glorification of marriage while taking a decision leads to compromises, which can later create problems in a person’s life. We need to address these issues, so that the number of successful marriages goes up. As there was a need for a platform to discuss the changing dimensions of married life, we thought of organising Vivah Parishads.

How was the response last year? What is this year’s theme?
Going by the enthusiastic response last year, we decided to go forward with the topic ‘dreams and realities of married life’. Since expectations of both men and women have increased regarding their partners, they often fail to understand that the concept of ‘lived happily ever after’ does not exist in reality. For a happy married life, there is a need to give it serious thought rather than going the conventional way. It should be a conscious decision rather than just a social custom. You need to be sure of what you are expecting from a marriage and your partner. At the meet, we will discuss the priorities while opting for a married life. Parents as well as youths need to give all this a thought and attend the meet.

What are the highlights of this year’s Vivah Parishad?
The discussion will focus on marriage laws and amendments required in these laws, with advocate Asim Sarode elucidating the legal aspects of marriage. Various types of couples — a normal person married to a handicapped partner, couples who married outside their religion and live-in couples who later opted for marriage — will share their experiences during the meet. This interaction will bring out the various aspects of married life in different frameworks rather than conventional marriage. A question-and-answer session will also be held.