Falling obsolete modes and norms; new lease of life for young people

Haryana is a tiny state situated in the proximity of national capital. Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand are on it's east, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab is on it's north side whereas Rajasthan is situated in western side. Predominantly it is a rural society with huge population living in the villages. Although city centers, education, advent of new technology and scientific development has influenced the economy of the state and living style as well. Agriculture, the chief vocation of rural Haryanvi society and it has undergone tremendous change in the last five decades. Agriculture is now more scientific and more productive compared to days when Haryana was carved out from Punjab in 1966. Good income and new opportunities available changed the scenario of rural Haryana in many ways. Land tenure system has changed significantly and relation between communities as well. Increasing population has drastically shortened the land share and ownership per family. But on the same time new avenues developed in terms of job opportunities created in both public and private sector and this is largely because of spread and availability of education in villages and nearby city centers. And it couldn't be restricted to males but more females found chance to go to school and later on to colleges and universities. Although Haryanvi society remained predominantly rigid and introvert. Rural society is generally governed by norms, mode and dictum of their males. In short it is a patriarchal society where women are relegated to second fiddle abysmally and they have very little to their side if it comes to   decision making. Although elected Gram Panchayats are technically govern the villages since 1952 and 73rd amendment to constitution has improved the status, functions and working of village Panchayts. Now 1/3rd offices are reserved for women. 

Historically Haryana is a part of that land mass that has witnessed great wars and battles in its planes. The oldest civilization is said to be existed in this state. Rural society has been in influence and govern of "Khaps" since time immemorial. These Khaps have been a source and seat of delivering justice to common man. These were the informal organisation to guide and guarantee the implementation of social norms, modes and manage the variegated social contradictions. Centuries after centuries passed and these Khaps have discharged their duties and responsibilities holding the dictum of justice and it's deliverance. Unfortunately with the change of time,it was expected that these (Khaps)) will adorn the new role in the changed circumstances but  these couldn't   change themselves to demands of new urgency and requirements of the society. Once the torch bearer of equity and justness slipped into the informal organisation of crudity and cruelty where every change is opposed tooth and nail on the name of saving social values and brotherhood. Over the time these Nobel organisations attained the symbol and recognizance of brutality, intolerance and unjust. These organisations are now headed by the skewed minded so called lords. They have no respect for new changes, new values, new exigencies created by newer model of development and education although enjoys all the fruits of such happenings. Women and down trodden people are the easiest prey of the decisions of these conglomeration of hood looms (in modern context). 

Haryana is a state which is governed by such Khaps for centuries if social set up is considered. Almost all castes have their own Khaps to rule their societies. And interestingly all behave in similar way. Women are at the receiving end and young women and newly wed couples who dares to defy the so called norms created by them. In recent times, such Khaps have been in news for all wrong reasons. "Honor killings" of young couples who tie the nuptial knots against the crude rules of society. The mate choice is mercilessly restricted among st the clans, castes, sub-castes, village, group of villages aka Khap segments. Many a couples have to sacrifice their lives on the altar of their love. And such happenings haunts the young minds and they have to curb their natural affinity for someone who rules their heart. In the hind sight the role, dictate and fear of Khap is prominent. For last few years, a continuous demand is churning the round in the society to relook the thought process and actions of Khaps. "The Satrol Khap" that is a conglomeration of  four "Tapas" (sub segment)  namely Narnaund, Petwad, Baas and  Ugalan of 42 villages around Narnaund area of Hisar district has dared to challenge the tradition and rigid norms established to govern the marriages wherein families couldn't select mate for their wards within the range of 42 villages instead Gotra (sub caste) of mother, grand mother and other Gotra of the village and this situation has make the situation very grim and hopeless for mate selection resultant people have to look for brides in far flung areas and this has created an unpleasant and awkward situation. Inhabitants of the area particularly of young people have been asking to change this unreasonable and unpractical situation. It is necessary to mention here that this area is the place where once the oldest human civilization "Mohanjodaro" believed to be existed. Archaeological excavation at Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Garhi proves this notion. Perhaps the area of the oldest civilization at forefront to re-establish the humane and rationale values. The deliberations and discussion on this vital issue brought fruit in the third week of April,2014 when Khap leaders decided to dissolve this 700 years old tradition where matrimonial alliance were forbidden in 42 villages of 4 Tapas of Satrol Khap. It is not a small decision but a historical leap under the modern exigencies, needs, requirements of the society. Families of the area were abysmally cornered to find a suitable match for their kids. On the face it looks simple decision but if analysed deeply it'll emanates the bounding desire to free the society and human minds from the shackles of age old retrogressive tradition and create an environment that would bind the society with the new sentiments of freedom and liberty. Although some voice of dissent is being heard from a section of Khap but it seems it'll die it's own death as progressive thought always  prevails. And it's success is guaranteed because this decision has given new lease of life to young lads of the area and their vocal and reasonable support will make the new dawn a reality. Two families of the village Rajthal and Madan Heri decided to break this age old tradition that now has become obsolete by arranging and accepting the marriage alliance within the Satrol Khap. The pioneering step of these two families is   worth appreciation and will definitely pave the way of for making more rationale and just society that will be free from unnecessary bondage. Time is watching the new development with all curiosity and in coming days some other obsolete norms and modes will fall flat against rational and reason. New breeze is now blowing in the area where once oldest civilization flourished and surely engross whole of Haryana soon. The process of positive change that has been set in couldn't be reversed.  

Khap: A body of organisation of cluster of villages.
Satrol Khap: An organisation of 42 villages of Narnaund area.
Tapa: A sub segment or constituent of Khap.
Mohanjodaro: Oldest civilization of world.
Gotra: Sub Caste