It started, as these things often do, with a celebrity quote—a passing remark that she wouldn't wish marriage upon her grandchildren. Cue the predictable social media outrage and trolling. But amidst the noise, the core question remains: Are we finally ready to admit that the traditional structure of Indian marriage is under unprecedented strain?
For too long, we've treated the rising divorce rates and increasing marital dissatisfaction as isolated incidents or moral failings. We cling desperately to the idea of "forever," even when it means accepting prolonged unhappiness, emotional exhaustion, and financial devastation.
If we can't acknowledge that something is broken, how can we possibly fix it?
When I first encountered the concept of a pre-nuptial agreement in high school, it felt like a distant, Western concept. But today, a much more radical idea has captured my imagination, one that seems to offer a practical lifeline to this struggling institution: Marriage as a Renewable Contract.
Imagine a system where, instead of signing up for a lifelong commitment, couples mutually agree to a fixed-term contract—say, four or five years—that must be actively renewed by both parties.
Why a Renewal Contract is a Game Changer:
- Ends the "Investment Trap": No man or woman should have to cling to an unhappy marriage simply because they've "invested too much" time, money, or social capital. The renewal date provides a clean, dignified exit point for both parties.
- Encourages Continuous Effort: The security of a life-long contract often breeds complacency. Knowing a renewal is required would force both partners to actively appreciate and work for the relationship, fostering mutual respect and effort.
- Empowers Women's Education and Career: This is perhaps the most profound impact. When marriage is not the ultimate, life-securing destination, parents will shift their focus. They will educate their daughters not just to "fetch a good partner," but to build a robust, independent "career forever." A woman's life would no longer be financially or emotionally tethered to the man she marries.
- Fair Exit for the Taken-for-Granted: If one party feels they are consistently giving too much, being taken for granted, or suffering in silence, they have a mechanism—simple and non-contentious—to decline the renewal and reclaim their autonomy.
This concept is, admittedly, unconventional. It directly challenges the deeply ingrained, romantic notion of marriage as a sacred, indissoluble bond. But perhaps what we need is less romance and more practicality.
A contract renewal wouldn't cheapen the commitment; it would dignify it. It transforms a passive, default arrangement into an active, conscious, and mutual choice made every few years. It gives both partners the power to say, "I choose you, today, for the next five years, because this relationship is truly worth the effort."
It's time to stop accepting failure as an inevitability and start exploring unconventional solution.
This is my conviction, but what is yours? Is the idea of a renewable marriage contract a pragmatic solution for modern India, or is it a step too far?
What is your take on this radical shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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