At a crossroads

Kodingi Bhuvaneswari, 18, from Chompi, A.P., stood her ground when her parents decided that she should be married. She wanted to complete her education and become financially independent; she persevered and successfully avoided marriage. But not everyone has the gumption or opportunity to do so. Students discuss the dilemma young women face between continuing their education and being pushed into a marriage.

June 25, 2017 05:00 pm | Updated 05:00 pm IST

Aparna Harry, I, M. A. English, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad

Education is not an excuse; rather, it leads to a progressive change in oneself and society. To be married off soon after one completes education has now become the norm in many places. But that doesn’t make higher education an option. An independent, educated and working man or woman is expected to have a better status in society, but reality sometimes is harsher. For many, marriage ends their education and career. But everything is possible for those who have the will to fight against odds.

Abirami Subramaniam, II, MBA communication management, Symbiosis School of Media and Communication, Bengaluru

Education, through exposure to the world, confers confidence. Marriage and education are different institutions, although these days, most marriages depend on the educational qualifications of the bride and groom. Often, before they complete their graduation, girls receive marriage proposals from abroad. When girls say that they want to study, it means they want to educate and empower themselves and achieve professional goals. Even when all else fails, education will give you strength; it makes you fiercely independent.

Oviya Balan, II, MBA, Vellore Institute of Technology

Towards the end of undergraduation, marriage talks begin at home. Most girls opt for higher studies as employment will mean they have to get married right away. There are many who want to explore other opportunities, but are forced to get married. I will be facing similar circumstances, but I believe that one’s decision to marry should be one’s own and not influenced by other people.

Nishanthi Sukumar, IV, B. E. civil engineering, Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering College, Chennai

This is a crucial time where a girl is required to take a balanced decision on whether to get married or pursue higher education. The decision is going to be dependent on her domestic situations, personal ambitions, and so on. In a few cases where one wants to defer marriage, one tends to cite higher education as a reason.

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