What is going on in Asanda village has certainly grabbed national attention via media coverage. I wonder what impression the whole Jat community in Haryana would leave on the nation as a result of this high profile episode. Some medieval clans! Note that we are hearing terms like: Dahiya, Rathi, Hooda, which are prominent khaps there. The world has entered the 21st century with much fanfare of human progress. And here we are, the Jats of Haryana, the greatest of species ever walked on this humble planet earth, who denounce everything unless it fits in their head! And this does not appear to be the first case, and may not be last one either.
This occasion is as appropriate as any for me to pen down my views on marriages.
CASTES STUFF. We know it so well that hardly anything in life is so vital as having a life partner with whom you can grow in ALL aspects of life. Thus, educated people at least, can exercise their discernment in this so very important decision. Indeed - the unions of people matter and not the castes.
I think our people suffer when they ignore human values primarily over this caste stuff. Rajiv Gandhi had married a girl named Sonia who was not even Indian, let alone from his caste whatever his caste was! Some monarchies in Europe seek their brides exclusively from other countries. On one hand we proudly embrace Swami Dayananda and principles of Arya Samaj, and at the same time we work so rigidly to ignore his preaching with respect to caste, which is a total rejection as it is now known. How much more hypocrites can we become!
A preaching substantiated by examples becomes more authentic and noteworthy. In my circle of personal family and relations, three cases involve choosing life partners based not on castes but on qualities of people! Not only my approval is there, it is their choice and they are the most satisfied and happy partners I know of.
We need to grow up and broaden our outlook, and then enjoy the abundant offerings of life. For an educated boy or girl, the stamp of a caste does not fit in their curriculum; it is the human and compatible qualities which make life a productive and joyful journey.
This occasion is as appropriate as any for me to pen down my views on marriages.
CASTES STUFF. We know it so well that hardly anything in life is so vital as having a life partner with whom you can grow in ALL aspects of life. Thus, educated people at least, can exercise their discernment in this so very important decision. Indeed - the unions of people matter and not the castes.
I think our people suffer when they ignore human values primarily over this caste stuff. Rajiv Gandhi had married a girl named Sonia who was not even Indian, let alone from his caste whatever his caste was! Some monarchies in Europe seek their brides exclusively from other countries. On one hand we proudly embrace Swami Dayananda and principles of Arya Samaj, and at the same time we work so rigidly to ignore his preaching with respect to caste, which is a total rejection as it is now known. How much more hypocrites can we become!
A preaching substantiated by examples becomes more authentic and noteworthy. In my circle of personal family and relations, three cases involve choosing life partners based not on castes but on qualities of people! Not only my approval is there, it is their choice and they are the most satisfied and happy partners I know of.
We need to grow up and broaden our outlook, and then enjoy the abundant offerings of life. For an educated boy or girl, the stamp of a caste does not fit in their curriculum; it is the human and compatible qualities which make life a productive and joyful journey.