When will we stop treating husbands as 'parmeshwar'?

I came across something that seemed quite funny to me. A forward on Facebook that captured a picture from a 1950s home economics textbook. It gave tips about how to look after your husband. In 2017, I may be shocked to read something like this - but in the 50s, 60s, 70s, it was actually the norm. Women were supposed to prepare their entire evenings and await their husbands as they made their way home from work.

A page from a 1950s home economics text book

When you read something like this, it seems like the wife had just one function - to take care of her husband (as if her husband was a baby). To cook him dinner, keep the house clean, keep the noise level minimal, clear away all the clutter and dirt, never to greet him with problems and complaints, and to understand his stress and pressure. Its bad enough that these were actually in a home economics text book back then, but the worst part is that some men expect their women to do the same even today. When will we stop treating husbands as 'parmeshwar' (God)? This is something modern day women need to ask themselves.

When it comes to marriage, it should be a bond built with love, trust, loyalty and care. It should be a sacred bond between two people, and should not be forced by anyone.

Marriage is a partnership where both parties are equal, and should be treated equally. Well, at least in an ideal world scenario. Things are changing in India, but not too fast - we still have so many issues to deal with when it comes to marriage. The life goal of many Indian parents is to get their daughters married off - and many parents don’t support their daughters even if their husbands are abusive, non-compatible with them, or torture them at home. It is actually a pity that many Indian parents would give up their child’s happiness just so that society doesn’t question them about not being ‘normal’. When it comes to marriage, it should be a bond built with love, trust, loyalty and care. It should be a sacred bond between two people, and should not be forced by anyone other than the two individuals involved. India has a lot to learn, but let’s hope that the future holds better things, if not for us, at least for our children!

Pic credits: Finding Peace at Om

Also read: Why Marriage Is No Longer Important For The Urban Independent Woman