Gujrat Woman's Decision To 'Marry Herself' Sparks Debate

Kshama Bindu, 24-year-old Sociology student and blogger from Gujrat, left everyone in awe as she announced to marry herself. The idea of marrying oneself became a trend in the West nearly 20 years ago when Carrie Bradshaw, a character in the hugely popular American series Sex and the City, raised it. Although there are many instances of sologamy in various parts of the world, this is the first time in India someone is opting for it.

Although a ‘sologamy’ or self-marriage would not have any legal standing in India, Bindu’s main intention is to break stereotypes and inspire others who are tired of finding true love.

“Self-marriage is a commitment to being there for yourself, to choosing the livelihood and lifestyle that will help you grow and blossom into the most alive, beautiful, and deeply happy person you can be. It’s my way of showing that I’m accepting all the different parts of me, especially the parts of myself that I have tried to deny or disown, such as my weaknesses – be they physical, mental or emotional. For me, this marriage is really a deep act of self-acceptance. What I’m trying to say is that I accept myself – all of me, even the parts that don’t look pretty.” Said the bride to be.

As soon as the news broke, it immediately started a debate on social media. Some applauded her by saying she would be an inspiration to many, however most people just tried to wrap their heads around the concept of sologamy. Some even criticised her decision and called it “a bizarre and sad act” and blamed it on “chronic narcissism”.

To her critics, Ms Bindu has “only one thing” to say- “It’s my decision to marry who I want – whether it’s a man or a woman or myself. And by marrying myself, I want to normalise sologamy. I want to tell people that you come into the world alone and you leave it alone. So who can love you more than yourself? If you fall, it’s you who are going to have to pick yourself up.”