Marriage - A new definiton

Marriage institution in India is at stake and going through a time of redefining itself. Amendments in the divorce law (esp where women get share of husband's property acquired before marriage) has raised many questions regarding marital relationship. "Marriages are made in heaven" does not hold any meaning anymore.

Men feel threatened as women are becoming more and more aggressive in asking for their rights. Sometimes it is even seen as a hidden agenda of a woman to go into a marital relationship and walk out with a chunk of her share, known as ALIMONY. I was surprised to hear Suchitra Krishnamoorthi (Shekhar Kapoor's ex-wife) stating that " she is proud to be an alimony wife". Sometimes I feel "Being Independent" is also an attitude and not necessarily can be associated with "working". It is good to pay alimony if the spouse is disabled and/or has no education to help support herself, especially in rural areas.

More or less society is disintegrating further, our values are changing and the sanctity of marriage is in question. The alarming rise in singles and live-ins are already threatening the institution of marriage. We (men and women) have made this world a battleground by outsmarting each other instead of complimenting each other.

In the West, men are not marrying because of the same fear. If they divorce, one spouse pays alimony for the rest of their life, or until their spouse's demise. Senior citizens, who are receiving a social security check have to pay out a small portion in alimony benefits to their spouse, who may be receiving the same social security check themselves. As a result, many people are opting out of a second marriage as it is proving to be financially too burdening.

I am afraid if the same is going to happen in India though I understand our women do need that assistance in case of divorce. Is there a solution to this problem?