Arya Samaj Marriage- Why is it stills a noble institution?

While reading the different stories on how the institution of Arya Samaj is being misused nowadays, one becomes rather judgmental and develops this notion that this is now the institution which provides a cover for the people to get married illegally and with an evil intent. However, this is only one side of the coin which is embossed with rather a gloomy picture of this institution which is more than a century old. The other side of this coin, which has a benevolent embossing, is less discussed in the media. If it were for the misuse of the structures of Arya Samaj marriage, why it still goes on strong and does not fall apart? What reasons can be attributed to its success till date?

At first, there is a strong legal sanction which ensures that the couple getting married can do so legally. A series of court rulings and changes to the laws have ensured that it continues to be relevant to its basic founding principles in current times. The regular reforms have been efforts in the direction of making it a better institution.

Secondly, the role of media has been very constructive in maintaining a favourable image of this institution. While reporting the various incidents across the country that violate the letter and spirit of this institution on one hand and that add to its glory on the other hand, the media has been bringing to attention of the public and the authorities both the faces of the coin. This has led to more awareness among the people in general and to corrective actions on the part of authorities.

Thirdly, at the level of society which is still mired in orthodoxies and various vices such as that of caste, creed and communalism, it often becomes extremely difficult for two individuals to wed against the social acceptance. If it were not for the ray of hope provided by the Arya Samaj mandir, the chance for leading a life with a life-partner of one’s own choice would have receded. It is this hope, this vital gap which this institution fills, that still makes it go strong. If you have seen the mass marriages being conducted the Arya Samaj way for the poor and the destitute, you would feel a sense of joy and happiness and serenity on their faces.

Fourthly, even for the rich and the famous, this is a way to getting married in privacy and without the overspending on opulence. For them, it offers a simple and dignified way of getting married with due social and legal sanction.

Lastly, this institution has been successful in achieving social transformation. The fact that is still being used by the younger generation to cut the shackles of orthodoxies amply demonstrates its continuing relevance for the society even today.