Inter-religious marriages:

Inter-religious marriages:


In many countries inter religious marriages just don't take place. Generally there will be one major religion and very few minority religious groups. But in some countries there will be a number of religions. For example, India is a land of many religions. In Hinduism itself, there are innumerable castes. Hence in India, inter caste marriages are just like inter religious marriages. A religious group or a particular caste specifies the behavioral pattern, mode of dress, eating habits and even profession and language of an individual. Hence an inter religious marriage or inter caste marriage invites a lot of social, familial and personal problems. Mahatma Gandhi stood for such marriages. Even the so-called progressive minded people like communists do not generally promote such marriages. They are under the pretext that religion or caste is irrelevant. For them, the only relevant reality is that of class.
It is reported that there took place more inter religious/ inter caste marriages during the period of Indian Independence Struggle than at present. This indicates that such marriages have close links with society's thrust for change.
A lot of problems are involved in such marriages. A family which is brought up on some particular belief system will find it very difficult to cope with a bride/ bride groom with a different belief system. This non-attachment breeds non-involvement which naturally leads to a situation of no-love. This, in turn, creates tension in the new couple's c. In many cases, the due share of family property is not passed on to that family. In fact, the newly wedded couple has to suffer the onslaught of some kind of social boycott. There will also have problems for the offspring especially at the time of their marriage.
The society should come forward to protect such families. Some kind of legislation are also to be brought in. These things should be included in the educational system of the country. Mankind should move towards a cosmopolitan culture. A nation should consider a citizen's status irrespective of his caste or religion.
There are stories of couples who crossed the boundaries of religion and caste to be with each other. Even geographic limits are not an issue when they thought of being together.
Actually such couples and there progeny imbibe the best of both worlds. Their religion, whatever it may be, is to make the world a happier place to live in.