What is a marriage? According to sociology, Marriage is a socially supported union involving two or more individuals in what is regarded as a stable, enduring arrangement typically based at least in part on a sexual bond of some kind. The definition of marriage varies between cultures and religions, and over time. Marriage over majority of definitions is a social affair and talks about the rights and obligations between the unified couple, their children and in-laws. Let's keep the whole world aside. What do you think about an 18 year old girl in India? Does she understand this social affair? In general, either she has been dropped out of school by that time or must be finishing her senior secondary education. What's her knowledge regarding the concepts of definition? Is having a partner for sex, the only thing in marriage?

With the advancement of technology and the penetration of information to the lower strata of society, and the growing education, the percentage of marriage under 18 has dropped to 3.7% in India. But what is 3.7% of 1.3 billion? Yes, it's huge. And there are many married at 18. Why not? That's the legal age for marriage. But, what do you think should be the ideal age for marriage? In the Task Force Report on revising the minimum age of marriage for girls, it has been recommended that the minimum legal age for marriage for girls should be increased to 21. Do you hold consensus with the reported age?

I have been repeatedly asking questions after providing information. Let me tell you my experience. I have witnessed many marriages at the age of 18 in Bihar. Not to forget, Bihar has one of the highest percentage of girls marrying below 18. I have witnessed such marriages in my own family when I was too young. What's the point I am trying to explain? Most of them became mother at 19 or 20. Most of them have been victims of domestic violence which they don't recognize even. Most of them have serious health issues as they have been constantly fed contraceptives. Most of them are housewives despite being graduated and even post graduated. Most of them have no financial independence. It's no wrong to say that they don't have their own life. You might question that such things happen when girls are forced to marry? But no, some of them have married to the man of their choice and yet, the conditions validate for them as well. I leave it up to you to ponder and question yourself.

What's my take? Marriage should not have a criteria of age. If the age is increased then it arises some other issues like homicide, honour killing and gives, undue disadvantage to the couple who want to break the narrow minded societal norms and live together. And the legal age should not be below 18 years as I have already mentioned the issues arising out of it. There are even more grave issues. So, it's like between death and the devil.

So, there comes the role of education and institutions. Basic structural reforms are needed to address these issues. Basic knowledge about marriage, rights and sexual education must be introduced in secondary education system. The institutions like police, judiciary, child welfare, women welfare must be strengthened. Each school should have an official from child welfare while there should be an office of women and child welfare in every tehsil.

When you have to choose between death and devil, CHOOSE YOURSELF. ALWAYS!