|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ONE of India’s bestselling authors Chetan Bhagat feels that non-acceptance of and resistance towards inter-regional or inter-religious marriages in modern India "shows how divided our country is".
According to the author, who was in Bangalore recently to promote his latest book "2 States - the story of my marriage", said: "The refusal to acknowledge inter-regional and inter-religious relationships depicts how divided a nation we are". His latest book focuses on a couple. who belongs to two different regions of the country. The book is inspired by his own personal story. Bhagat is a Punjabi married to a Tamil Brahmin. The author says the book is about national integration through the medium of inter- regional marriages. "The book wouldn’t have happened if I had not married a South Indian." "The book is not about a boy and a girl’s love story. It takes only 20 percent effort to meet the girl; the rest, 80 percent of the effort, goes into convincing the parents to marry the girl of your choice." However, Bhagat told his fans that the book was not a "typical love story with troubles", but a book with loads of fun and interesting observation on "love and marriage". "Even today inter-regional marriages are a big deal," smiled Bhagat, accompanied by wife Anusha. "I don’t believe India has moved on. I think only 10-15 people have. Inter-regional and religious marriages are the best way to bring national integration," Bhagat said. "Although it was a tough decision to make, we succeeded ultimately. Initially when we were financially not very sound, we had to go through a difficult time, but the problems settled down. Yes, my mother-in-law is still recovering from our decision," said Tabu, a Muslim married to a Brahmin. "Stick to what your
heart tells you and know exactly what you are up to. One’s happiness
is more important and once it is achieved, others will come
around," said Harathi Reddy, a successful entrepreneur, and a
panelist at the discussion. She is married to a man seven years
younger. — IANS
|
|||
|
|
|||
