Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar Speaks Out Against Forced Marriage of Daughters
Renowned nutritionist and lifestyle coach Rujuta Diwekar recently addressed a critical social issue on her social media platforms. She urged parents to stop punishing their daughters with forced marriages. Diwekar provided clear arguments against this practice and outlined proper qualifications for marriage.
Three Arguments That Don't Justify Forced Marriage
Diwekar identified three common parental arguments she considers invalid for pushing daughters into marriage.
- Daughter Has Fallen in Love: "My daughter has fallen in love with someone. So, before spoiling my name, I better get her married." Diwekar counters this thinking directly. She points out that this mindset often leads to marriages when daughters are just 18 to 21 years old. "If she doesn't enjoy the fun of love in her youth, then when will she enjoy it?" Diwekar asks. She emphasizes that young love should be enjoyed safely while focusing on education and career development. Parents should not view love as time wasted.
- Pressure from In-Laws: "My mother-in-law and husband are after me to get my daughter married." Diwekar dismisses this pressure firmly. She advises parents to tell their in-laws and husbands to find another pastime. "My daughter is not ready to get married yet. Just because she is in your mind, she can't get married." This statement challenges familial pressure directly.
- Excessive Phone Use: Diwekar calls this the most 'useless' reason. "She stays on the phone full time." Instead of marriage, Diwekar suggests practical parenting. "Tell her not to stay on the phone for so long. Put a ban on phone use. Create a screen zone at home." She acknowledges phone addiction affects all youth due to device design. The solution involves awareness and redirection toward studies and career, not marriage to remove the daughter from sight.
Three Valid Qualifications for Marriage
Diwekar also shared three factors that genuinely qualify a daughter for marriage.
- Completed Education: "Her studies are completely over now." This foundation ensures personal development.
- Financial Independence: "Now my daughter earns money on her own. She has a guarantee of a job and income." Diwekar stresses this financial security must withstand market downturns or AI disruptions. A daughter should be capable of supporting herself and potentially her family.
- Personal Sensibility: "Now my daughter has become sensible." Diwekar explains sensibility means understanding personal desires. This includes knowing what she wants from life, a future husband, herself, and her career. Clarity in these areas is crucial.
The Ultimate Importance of Consent
Diwekar concludes with a powerful message about consent. "So there are three qualifications to get married. Complete studies. Guarantee income. And be sensible." She urges parents to let daughters live peacefully until they meet these qualifications. Only then should parents ask about marriage intentions. If a daughter says 'no, leave me alone,' Diwekar insists parents must listen. Consent matters more than any other factor in marriage decisions.
Rujuta Diwekar's advice combines practical parenting with respect for individual rights. Her message resonates with modern parenting challenges while upholding traditional values of preparation and responsibility.
