Soon, a ‘marriage module’ in U’khand colleges Shivani Azad,TNN | Aug 18, 2015, 10.04

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DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand women’s commission has proposed that all colleges in the state start a module titled ‘What is marriage?’ Students will have the opportunity to interact with counsellors, priests and lawyers, to understand the legal and religious significance of marriage vows.

The move is inspired by a similar exercise of the Kerala women’s commission, which acquainted young students with the emotional, social and legal implications of matrimony. Officials of the state women’s commission said the proposal was made seeing the rising number of cases of domestic strife and the increase in the number of divorces among the recently married. The commission suggests that a Hindu priest might be called to explain the significance of the seven pheras, for instance.

 

A lawyer will explain the significance of the oath taken while tying the nuptial knot. Students will read about the provisions of the different personal laws relating to the different religious groups. Officials of the commission said young people entering into matrimony seldom acquaint themselves with the religious or legal significance of the bond. It is only when a marriage sours and preparations are made for divorce that these laws become significant. The women’s commission has registered 595 cases since April 2015; of these, 91% relate to marriages gone bad. Secretary of the commission Sujata said, “In Uttarakhand, this programme has become necessary. Marriages are quickly turning into nightmares. We will aid students in understanding the religious, social, emotional and legal aspects of marriage. They will also learn about stress management and controlling their reactions.

Our society is turning impatient, and this is hitting the institution of marriage.” Commission officials said a large number of cases of failing marriages were reported from Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar. Many of these cases involved matters that were too petty to even be brought before the commission, officials said. In Pauri, there were cases of multiple marriages by men. In most other towns, the majority of cases related to impatience with each other.

Chairperson Sarojini Kaintura told TOI, “The topic of marriage is unfortunately not discussed with students or young people. We are trying to get students to be prepared for marriage.” Officials of the women’s commission said the plan would be to either train some teachers or send out a team of the commission to educational institutions to engage with students.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Soon-a-marriage-module-in-Ukhand-colleges/articleshow/48532729.cms