The irony of life is that even the most extreme situations, as a spin off, throw some good to surface. Now take the situation in Kashmir. When an entire population is facing a tough time, hundreds of marriages were solemnized without fanfare. Austerity ruled by exclusion. We could see people canceling marriage related functions. The measure saved a fortune to the families and proved beneficial even to the invitees who were spared the great deal of inconvenience generally faced by people on such occasions. No wastage of resources that is generally witnessed on marriages in Kashmir. Though some went ahead with their scheduled dates, but had to regret the decision as guests never arrived. Common sense would have demanded to cancel the feast and then go ahead sermonizing the marriage in a very simple way, but that was not the case with them. Many professions and trades related to marriage did get adversely affected by an extended spell of curfews and strikes, but if we count the advantages of the austere marriages these definitely outweigh the unpleasant side. However this is the lighter side of the problem that is genuinely to be addressed. It is unfortunate that despite colossus loss of life and property suffered by Kashmiri society during last two decades, indulging in a show of wealth on otherwise auspicious occasions like marriage has become a habit with Kashmir. The essence of the words ‘simplicity’ and ‘austerity’ as is enjoined upon us, has got lost somewhere. In early nineties of last century we did find people resorting to simple marriages but that was just a compulsion as became clearer with the situation showing some improvement. Same may be the case now. Having tasted the benefits of simple marriage we need to sustain and continue with the practice so that our society is able to get rid of many evils that have done huge damage to us as a society. Marriage has become a prohibitive proposition for the poor and middle class people. The fallout of the unethical practices owing to the pomp and show is that the number of ageing unwed daughters of the community is increasing with every passing day. Add to the ostentation the evil of dowry, the sacred institution of marriage has been made beyond the means for the poor. In this age of crass-consumerism it is not only the rich, who are swept off the ground, but most of the middle class get carried away by the trend. They can beg, borrow or even steal to put up a show of ‘wealth’ on a marriage ceremony. Today finding a match for a poor non-working girl is simply out of question. And the girls from the middle class have to age to attain a degree or two, get a job, and then go for a marriage. The late marriage has its own drawback-main being the infertility. Making marriages prohibitive is highly injurious to our society and this is one of the plausible reasons for the spread of canker of moral corruption and waywardness in the society. Simplicity and austerity are the marks of a civilized society. In fact, this is the basic philosophy of all religions and ethical systems. We must understand that it is not just about economy; it’s about humanity. Civility and sense demand that wealth be used in ways that is justified. We cannot expect people spend hard earned money in most absurd ways. In our society those who matter must come forward on this issue. If we can correct ourselves on this count may be many of our problems find a solution. If today we do it compulsively, let it be voluntary tomorrow.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST