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Seasoned media personality and digital content creator Shiksha Arora has recently voiced her disapproval of arranged marriages, a tradition deeply rooted in her Indian culture that continues to be practiced today. Her views are informed by both personal experiences and her belief in the importance of understanding a partner before committing to a lifelong relationship.
In a candid discussion, Shiksha Arora emphasized the necessity of getting to know someone thoroughly before deciding to spend the rest of your life with them. “Love is beautiful,” she began, highlighting her appreciation for genuine connections. “In this generation, it’s very important to get to know a person in order to understand them. You need to spend time with this person, get to know each other’s likes and dislikes. Let me tell you, living with a man is not easy.”
Drawing from her own family history, Shiksha shared a personal anecdote about her mother’s arranged marriage. According to Shiksha, her mother was married off at the age of 18 after spending just one day with her father. “My mum and dad were in an arranged marriage; it wasn’t a love marriage. My dad got to see my mum, and she was told that my dad was coming to see her just to hang out. After he left, she was asked what she thought of him. My mum said she thought he was cool, and they told her, ‘I think you’re going to marry him.’ And that was it,” Shiksha recounted.
This story underscores the lack of choice her mother had in the matter. Shiksha reflected on how her mother had no real say in the decision and had to accept the circumstances dictated by her family. “At that time, she didn’t really have a choice. And guess what? She ended up getting married and moving from Delhi to Kenya. And here I am today,” Shiksha said with a mixture of animation and reflection. Her mother’s experience contrasts sharply with Shiksha’s own values and her approach to relationships.
Shiksha Arora herself is married to her long-term partner, Salman Manji. The couple tied the knot in January 2021, a decision that reflects Shiksha’s belief in the importance of mutual understanding and personal connection. Their marriage, rooted in their personal relationship rather than tradition, represents a departure from the arranged marriage practices that Shiksha criticizes.
In discussing her views, Shiksha Arora sheds light on the evolving attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Her perspective underscores a broader societal shift towards valuing personal choice and compatibility over traditional practices. By sharing her own experiences and observations, Shiksha contributes to a larger conversation about how relationships are formed and the importance of truly knowing one’s partner before making a lifelong commitment.
Through her public statements and personal narrative, Shiksha Arora advocates for a more individualized approach to relationships, one that prioritizes genuine connection and understanding over cultural conventions. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the complexities of modern relationships and the ongoing debate surrounding traditional marriage practices.
