Arranged Marriages....

India is certainly more than a land of snake charmers and elephants now in the West...but yes.. definitely a land of cows.. :)

Well the latter is true mostly for people who have visited India or have some near and dear one who have been to this "mystic" and "exotic" land...

Since the majority of the people I have met are yet to "experience" India.. for them two topics seem to define India...

1 The ubiquitous techie

2. Arranged Marriages.....

And since the writer belongs to the category 1 and was in the company of other non-Indian techies at lunch, the discussion soon shifted to the arranged marriages....

Its lunch time, have skipped breakfast (the usual) ,and after half a mile walk to this restaurant, the food is on top of the mind.. for me at least... and then when the food finally arrives.. and a sense of relief is about to set in.. the question comes up... are you married?  

The thing about the question,if you are from India, is that it sets off a stream of questions towards the topic.. yes.. "Arranged Marriages" ..  ... which people like us .. hold close to the heart..

Why ..you may ask...?  Well er.. becuz we like to respect the tradition and for the faith our elders has reposed in us.. and ...........

Ah... if only they knew.. for people like us, its is perhaps the only ( and for the rest Plan B), to end their singleton status... but then that shall remain a secret....

so if you are not quick at making some random arguments.. tread carefully.. for the sole topic which might be the only hope  for millions to get a partner and most likely the only sex partner for life.. is going to be debated and queried on...at length.. and then it will be upon you... to make the sacrifice of the lunch you had been yearning for so badly... to defend the only hope for the millions.. the institution of arranged marriages.... the hope that they can still rely on the the parents to make arrangements to fulfill their needs of adulthood ... and yet be seen as gracious and responsible individual..

So as to help the you prepare in advance for such a likely and momentous event,effecting the life of millions,  the author would like to present a few FAQ's .. in the hope that this will allow you to prepare yourself to defend the cause of millions ... 

Whats the reward you may ask.. before proceeding to FAQ's.. even if the hopes of millions mean nothing to you ..and you are mean , self centred and happily married.. then...oh fellow Indians... think of the generations to come... your generation...where would they go without their parents.. how will they ever.."experience adulthood" and that too with grace and honor...if this institution is looked down upon ! 

I rest my case and for the sake of millions in world, billions to come and your "khandan" to survive...I hope you will rise to the occasion and defend the cause.

FAQ's

1. Do you believe in arranged marriages

(Note : Its not OK to give example of old generations.. we are modern, new generation.. u get the drift... )

2.  How can you "marry" someone you never met...

(Note: The author, intelligent as he is, tried a new term : arranged blind date.... use at your own risk...)

3.  Is it true that generally when a bachelor goes to  India on vacation, the purpose is to get married...?

4.  Tips on photo-reading.. aka how can you arrive at compatibility factor looking at the photographs

5.  You meet on a date(ok... arranged blind date.. in presence of parents) , get married and then go straight for honeymoon..? is this ~traditional~....

Feel free folks to add to the list and contribute to the great cause... ! may the gift of gab be with you!!

Addenum : 

On a bit serious note , liked this post and the discussion in the comments section....

http://roopscoop.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/on-arranged-marriages/

Addenum 2:

Another piece from the same author...with a lil bit different perspective on the subject...andyet again.. interesting read...blog and comments....

http://roopscoop.wordpress.com/2008/09/10/arranged-marriages-contd/

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PS: The author is a firm believer in the institution of arranged marriage as he sees it the only way to seek and end to his forced celibacy and Singleton status. All the contents have been written with the best of intentions and to help the cause of millions (and billions to come).