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In a poignant reminder of the devastating realities surrounding child marriage in India, the story of 14-year-old Arti unfolds like a tragic tale that exposes the grim consequences of an illicit practice still prevalent in many parts of the country. Despite the legal framework designed to protect minors, child marriages continue to occur with alarming frequency, as illustrated by Arti’s life—cut short by the very traditions that bound her.
The Perils of Tradition
In 2013, Saumya Khandelwal, a dedicated photojournalist, encountered a stark reality while exploring the north-eastern border region of India, particularly in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh. Armed with a pamphlet from an organisation combating child marriage, she discovered that an astonishing 25% of girls in this region were married before the age of 19. The statistics were not merely numbers; they represented the lives of countless young girls stripped of their childhoods and futures.
Khandelwal’s subsequent visits to Shravasti opened her eyes to the struggles and aspirations of young brides. She was struck by the contrast between her own life and the lives of these girls, who were often thrust into adult responsibilities long before they had the chance to dream. What did they envision for their futures? What choices did they truly have? These questions haunted her as she delved deeper into the lives of these young women.
A Day Before the Wedding
In April 2014, Khandelwal met Arti, who was preparing for her wedding just a day away. Despite her youth, Arti carried a sense of poise as she organised the festivities around her. She greeted Khandelwal warmly, introducing her to family and friends, and displayed a surprising command over the household preparations. Yet, when asked about her feelings regarding the marriage, Arti’s response was chilling in its resignation: “What is there to feel? It happens to everyone.”
On the day of her wedding, surrounded by loved ones, Arti donned her new sari, her sister-in-law styling her hair. In those fleeting moments, the weight of her vulnerability became palpable, a stark contrast to the celebration surrounding her. It was a bittersweet snapshot of a life that, at such a tender age, had already begun to diminish in autonomy.
A Life of Sacrifice and Sorrow
Following her marriage, Arti’s existence underwent a drastic transformation. Tasked with fulfilling the role of a dutiful daughter-in-law, she juggled the demands of her new household while sacrificing her education—her husband, however, continued to pursue his studies. Arti’s life became a cycle of relentless chores and unfulfilled expectations, all while grappling with the loss of her own aspirations.
Tragedy struck in late 2019 when Arti suffered a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. The emotional toll was profound, leaving her heartbroken and physically weakened. The situation worsened when, in April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Khandelwal received the devastating news from Arti’s father-in-law—she had taken her own life.
A Stark Reminder of Systemic Oppression
Arti’s tragic end serves as a harrowing illustration of the consequences of child marriage—a practice that strips young girls of agency, forcing them into lives filled with despair and helplessness. The systemic oppression inherent in such traditions not only robs them of their childhood but can also lead to irrevocable outcomes, as demonstrated by Arti’s heartbreaking story.
Why it Matters
The story of Arti resonates far beyond the individual tragedy; it highlights a pervasive societal issue that demands urgent attention. Child marriage is not merely a relic of the past; it is a contemporary crisis that continues to affect the lives of many young girls in India and beyond. By shining a light on these stories, we are compelled to confront the harsh realities of gender inequality and advocate for the rights of women and girls everywhere. It is a call to action, urging society to break the cycle of oppression and empower the next generation to forge their own paths.
