Shiksha Arora Reflects on the Challenges of Arranged Marriages and Advocates for Love-Based Unions

Shiksha Arora, the former KBC news anchor, has expressed her reservations about arranged marriages, a tradition deeply embedded in many cultures, including her own Indian heritage. Arora, known for her articulate and thoughtful perspectives, has shared her personal experiences and insights into the complexities of arranged marriages, advocating instead for the importance of love and understanding in marital relationships.

Arora’s critique centers on the notion that love should precede marriage. She emphasizes the importance of truly knowing a partner before committing to a lifelong partnership. “Love is beautiful,” she asserts. “In our current generation, it’s crucial to understand a person by spending time together, learning about each other’s preferences and dislikes. Let me tell you, living with a man is not easy.” This statement underscores her belief that the modern approach to relationships should involve a deeper connection and mutual understanding.

Reflecting on her family’s history, Arora shares a poignant account of her parents’ arranged marriage. Her mother, she reveals, was married off at the tender age of 18 after only a brief period of acquaintance with her father. “My mum and dad were in an arranged marriage, not a love marriage,” Arora recounts. “My dad visited my mum under the pretense of just hanging out. Afterward, she was asked for her opinion, and when she said he was ‘cool,’ she was told, ‘I think you’re going to marry him.’ And that was the end of it.”

This experience, according to Arora, highlights the lack of agency her mother had in the decision-making process. Her mother had to accept the arrangement as per the dictates of her family, illustrating the often rigid nature of traditional matrimonial practices. Arora’s mother eventually moved from Delhi to Kenya as a result of the marriage, adapting to a new country and culture as part of her marital life.

Arora’s reflections on her parents’ marriage serve as a powerful commentary on the evolving perceptions of marriage and relationships. She advocates for a shift away from arranged marriages towards a model where personal compatibility and mutual respect are prioritized. Her own journey contrasts sharply with the traditional narrative. Arora is married to Salman Manji, her long-term partner, with whom she tied the knot in January 2021. Their union represents a modern approach to marriage, founded on a deep understanding and connection that Arora believes is essential for a successful relationship.

Arora’s advocacy is not just a personal stance but resonates with broader societal shifts. In many communities, there is a growing recognition of the need for individuals to have a say in their marital choices and to prioritize emotional and psychological compatibility. Arora’s insights reflect a broader trend towards valuing personal choice and understanding in relationships.

As she continues to share her perspectives, Shiksha Arora contributes to an important dialogue about marriage and relationships. Her experiences and observations challenge traditional norms and encourage a more nuanced approach to understanding and choosing partners. By highlighting the importance of love, compatibility, and personal choice, Arora advocates for a future where marriages are based on mutual respect and genuine affection, rather than convention and obligation.

In conclusion, Shiksha Arora’s revelations offer a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving nature of marriage. Her reflections on her parents’ arranged marriage and her own experience underscore the importance of understanding and connection in building a successful relationship. As societal norms continue to evolve, her advocacy for love-based unions serves as a timely reminder of the value of personal choice and compatibility in fostering enduring partnerships.