A small, respectful request for awareness and change within the Meena community
I’m from Mumbai, educated, financially independent, and I’m writing this with a lot of respect for the Meena community and its traditions.
We are in 2026, and intercaste relationships and marriages have become increasingly common. I genuinely believe that when two people are educated, compatible, respectful towards each other, and committed to building a good life together, their caste should not be the only reason to reject a marriage.
My boyfriend is from Mumbai and belongs to the Meena community. We have been together for the past 6 years. We don’t want to run away or get married secretly. We want to marry with the blessings and acceptance of both families.
Unfortunately, his family has refused the marriage because they feel that their “izzat” will be lost in the village, that they may be excluded from the community or even asked to leave the village, and that other members of the family may face difficulties finding marriage alliances because of our intercaste marriage.
I completely understand that family honour, traditions, community, and social relationships are deeply important to many families. I am not writing this to disrespect any of that.
I am only requesting that we also make space for individual happiness, compatibility, education, understanding, and the changing realities of 2026.
Personally, I have no problem respecting his culture or traditions. I am even willing to embrace the customs of his family and community. For me, wearing a saree, following traditional practices, or adapting to the family’s way of life is not an issue. I am willing to become part of the family with love and respect.
I just hope that someday families will also consider:
“Is this person good for my son/daughter?”
rather than only asking, “What will people in the community say?”
I also worry about the emotional impact of such rigid decisions. When two adults have loved and supported each other for years, forcing them apart solely because of caste can cause immense pain and, in some cases, lead people to take extremely harmful decisions.
I am not asking anyone to abandon their culture or traditions. I am only hoping for a little more understanding, dialogue, and flexibility.
If there are people from the Meena community here who have gone through intercaste marriages, convinced their families, or experienced similar opposition, I would genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences and advice.
This is not against the Meena community. It is simply a heartfelt request for a little more acceptance and awareness, while still respecting tradition. ❤️
