Indian Brides and Grooms on the InternetWritten by Roopa Nair
India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various religions, communities and sects living together in harmony and peace. Each community has its own set of religious rituals, traditions and multitudes of customs inherited from ancestors. Arranged marriage is one such common custom handed down over generations. Arranged marriage has played an important role in Indian marriages. This concept is even today accepted by millions of Indians in India and abroad. Marriages, initiated by elders, were arranged with help of an 'aunt' or 'priest'. Over a period of time this has slowly transitioned from marriage brokers to newspapers and now onto Internet. Internet has revolutionized way people communicate. Today, there are several matrimonial sites some aimed to a particular community/religion and some to general public. These sites literally make world seem a smaller place. The concept of online matrimonial has become increasingly popular because it gives people up-front, at click of a mouse, access to thousands of eligible singles, which neither newspapers nor marriage bureaus can ever offer. It has tremendously expanded reach of every marriageable individual by exposing him/her to millions of eligible Indians who visit these sites. Increasingly, many individuals and families spend their valuable time online searching for perfect partner for themselves or their loved ones. It is interesting to see that these sites are visited by conservative parents, relatives; who believe in sanctity of arranged marriages and also by those for whom falling in love is way to go.
| | The Guide to Changing Your Name after MarriageWritten by Rachel Greenberg
Whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal decision that each person must make on his/her own. But once you’ve decided to take plunge, you need to be prepared for administrative tasks that await you. Trying to get all of your IDs and accounts updated can be tedious, and even just knowing where to start is a major task itself. The following checklist should make this process much less worrisome, and hopefully hassle-free:1. Certified copy of marriage license Before you begin, make sure you get 2 or 3 certified copies of your marriage license from office where you applied for license. You will need to show this document several times as proof of your name change. You really only need one copy - since most places only need to see copy, not keep it – but it’s best to have a few extras on hand. 2. Driver’s License The Department of Motor Vehicles is run differently in each state, but it is most likely that you will need to go in person to local office and show a certified copy of your marriage license. Some states will also have you update your name on your voter registration at same time that you change your name on your license. If they do not, then make sure you contact appropriate state office to get this done. 3. Social Security Card This will also require a visit in person, so locate Social Security Office in your area. They will need to see a certified copy of your marriage license, as well as another ID with your new name. If you have already completed step #2, then you will have necessary ID. The Social Security Administration will notify IRS and Post Office of your name change, so you do not need to inform these organizations separately. 4. Bank Accounts & 401k Most banking institutions will need to see a copy of marriage license (just a regular copy, not a certified copy) along with a written letter stating that you wish to change your name on your accounts. You can either check your accounts online or call each place to see exactly what is needed. Once you have made change, make sure to order checks with new name.
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