Love rekindled: Age or a failed marriage is no longer a stigma to getting hitched again
A few weeks ago, news surfaced of TMC MP Mahua Moitra marrying Pinaki Misra, a former BJD MP, in an intimate ceremony in Berlin on May 30. With both being significantly older – Moitra is 50 while her husband is 65 - by societal standards to walk down the aisle and that too for the second time in their respective lives, the news naturally garnered public attention.
But this evolving narrative is not just limited to the elites, highlighting that love and companionship are universal desires, regardless of age or social status. Across Odisha and elsewhere in the country, more and more individuals, like divorcees, widowers and those who didn't marry in their youth, are finding love later in life.
Sociologists opined that following the loss of a spouse or divorce, many seniors are actively seeking companionship, valuing the emotional support and shared experiences that come with partnership.
Improved healthcare and longer life expectancies, besides changing social attitudes, have made it more acceptable for older adults to pursue new relationships.
Shukadeba Naik, a retired professor of sociology of Sambalpur University, said that while remarriages in older age groups are more common among the elite, the desire for companionship transcends social classes. 'Late marriages are often about seeking partners with whom one is compatible.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Arranged marriages used to be family-to-family relations, which meant fewer breakdowns, but now it's more individualistic and people are more open to finding new partners when relationships don't work out,' he added.
Take for example Shankar Sahoo, a 53-year-old employee of Rourkela Steel Plant. In 1999, Shankar married a woman, who was also a working professional, and had two daughters with her. But four years into the marriage, the couple's relationship was on the rocks and they eventually divorced in 2015.
The separation agreement stipulated that Shankar would bear the educational and wedding expenses of his daughters, who stayed with their mother.
Despite the emotional toll of the divorce, Shankar found solace in the support of his parents, who lived with him -- and in the company of a woman 18 years his junior whom he is now married to and who is the mother of his nine-year-old son. 'After the divorce, I had decided not to marry again due to the trauma I experienced,' Shankar said.
But his family encouraged him to consider remarrying. Today, he has a blended family that includes his daughters as well.
'My wife has brought happiness and peace not only to me but to my entire family as she accepted my daughters whole-heartedly,' Shankar said.
Similarly, a businesswoman, who lost her husband to dengue shortly after the birth of her daughter in 2010, gave marriage a second chance when she lost her father.
'My father was a huge support system after my first husband's passing. It was him who helped me take over my late husband's business and he raised my daughter as well.
After my father's passing, I felt a void, which is when my family encouraged me to consider marrying again,' she said. And in 2017, through an arranged marriage set up, she exchanged vows with a man who had also lost his spouse and had a daughter as well. 'I never thought I would marry again, but it was in my destiny,' she said, adding, 'After my second marriage, my daughter and I found a new home and happiness.'
Naik added that with both men and women becoming career-oriented, the average age of marriage is getting delayed for the middle class as people, who don't want to get married until they become financially independent or achieve something.
Rabi Behera, a social activist from Jagatsinghpur, married just months shy of his 50th birthday. Behera's journey to matrimony was not a conventional one. Engrossed in his passion for social activism, the thought of marriage took a backseat.
It wasn't until he met his current wife, Sujata Barik, at a workshop that the idea of marriage became a reality. Both Behera and Barik, a fellow social activist from Kendrapada, found common ground in their dedication to social justice and soon, they became romantically involved.
"Social justice was a common issue we both worked for and we got attracted to each other and got married,' Behera added.
Barik echoed similar sentiments, having initially decided against marriage. "I had kind of decided that I won't get married. But when he proposed, I decided to take the plunge," she said. Today, the couple resides in Bhubaneswar and is raising their seven-year-old daughter, balancing their family life with their ongoing commitment to social causes.
Anup Dash, a retired professor of Utkal University, said, " With rising cases of divorces, many are looking to remarry and age is no longer a barrier as people seek companionship and compatible partners."
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Wall Tax Road next in Chennai's clean-up drive: GCC to clear 3km stretch of encroachments; hawkers, garbage, stray cattle among key challenges
CHENNAI: Walking on Wall Tax Road, a key stretch in North Chennai connecting Chennai Central to Basin Bridge, has long been a nightmare for commuters. With street vendors, homeless families, and uncleared garbage make walking nearly impossible. Now, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has promised a much-needed clean-up of the 3 km stretch under its Call for Action initiative. The road, which sees heavy footfall due to its proximity to Chennai Central railway station, lacks proper footpath access. Even areas with pavements are either too narrow or completely unusable due to hawkers, junction boxes, and electric poles. Many shops leave goods on display, use footpaths as parking spots, or advertise on them. Several hotels on the stretch also encroach on footpaths, adding to the mess. Under the Call for Action scheme, GCC will select one road at a time and clear all the encroachments, thus making it fit for public use. Mohammed Rahmathullah, a regular commuter, said, 'There are so many obstacles from people sleeping on the road to garbage. It's hard to walk even a short distance, especially for elderly people and children.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo One striking example of poor planning is found right outside the Corporation Girls School. The pavement there has a railing to prevent parking, but the exit is blocked by a portion of the railing and parked rickshaws, making it unusable. GCC officials said that Wall Tax Road is the next focus area after successful clean-up drives on the Pattinapakkam Loop road. Under the Call for Action program, civic teams clear one road at a time of encroachments, debris, and waste to reclaim public spaces for pedestrians. The stretch will be cleared of vendors, garbage, and loading activities by parcel companies that use the pavements for unloading goods. GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said, 'Cleaning drives are constantly organised around all the zones under GCC. Removing banners and murals at night has been found effective. Likewise, major drives will be organised to remove encroachments and to move vendors to the vending zone after the Town Vending Committee election.' Avinash, a commuter from Mint, pointed to another issue: 'Cattle roam freely on the road, causing traffic chaos. There is hardly any traffic police presence to manage the situation. Sometimes they even cause accidents.' According to GCC data, 534 stray cattle were caught by May this year.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Fordow still standing! Trump gamble, GBU-57 bunker busters fail? Iran journalist claims no damage, IAEA says no radiation at site
IAEA confirms no radiation spike; Iran journalist reports minimal damage at Fordow Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, the crown jewel of Iran's nuclear research and development facility, seemed to have suffered minimal damage in the US airstrikes, as claimed by multiple agencies. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no increase in off‑site radiation levels at Fordow as of June 22, 2025, an Iranian news agency journalist reporting from the site claimed only the air defense systems were damaged. — iaeaorg (@iaeaorg) The IAEA noted it will continue to monitor conditions and provide further updates about the site which is officially known as Shahid Ali Mohammadi Nuclear Facility by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo An IRNA state media reporter, present near the Fordow facility since early Sunday, June 22, observed only smoke from air defense batteries across the valley, not signs of damage to the nuclear plant. He noted that 'smoke was from the opposite side of Fordow' and described no emergency response activity at the site. Live Events Also read: US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: All you need to know about the Iranian facilities that are hit by American Iran's Atomic Energy Organization echoed that the enriched uranium had been moved prior to the strikes, with 'no materials left… that would cause radiation'. The initial US assessment, made by US President Donald Trump on June 21, stated the sites 'have been completely and totally obliterated,' but evidence so far suggests Fordow is mostly intact. Located hundreds of meters below the mountains, Fordow is Iran's most advanced nuclear facility. The US Air Force sent six B-2 bombers armed with GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker buster bombs, 12 of which were reportedly dropped to take out Fordow. Where Iran could hit back: US bases now in Tehran's crosshairs With Tehran declaring it will 'boldly target' all US installations in retaliation, American military bases across the Middle East face elevated threats. 1. Al-Asad Air Base (Iraq): Previously struck in 2020 after the killing of Qasem Soleimani; target of recent proxy missile and drone attacks. 2. Erbil Air Base (Iraq): Also attacked during those 2020 strikes and remains within reach. 3. al-Tanf Garrison (Syria) and Tower 22 (Jordan): US sites hit by drone attacks in January 2024. Also read: To hit Fordow is to hit Iran's nuclear nerve; Here's why 4. Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar): Hosts over 10,000 US personnel; Iran reportedly indicated Gulf states that this facility is a legitimate target. 5. Naval Support Activity Bahrain: Headquarters of US 5th Fleet with 8,300 sailors, essential to maritime operations. 6. Al Dhafra (UAE), Camp Buehring and Ali al‑Salem (Kuwait): Air bases on Iran's potential target list. US Navy assets such as USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson, now deployed in the region, also face threat of Iranian missile or drone attacks. Global strike capability fuels Iran's retaliation calculus Also read: US strikes Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan: What happens when a nuclear site is bombed and how to survive radiation While regional bases are within immediate range of Iran's ballistic and cruise missiles, the B-2 Spirit bombers used by the US, flying from Whiteman AFB and Diego Garcia, remain outside direct Iranian targeting. Yet their involvement in Fordow's bombing lends credence to Tehran's pledge of retaliation against US regional bases. FAQs 1. Did the US airstrikes destroy Iran's Fordow nuclear facility ? Despite US President Donald Trump's claim that Fordow was 'obliterated,' no visible structural damage to the site has been confirmed. An IRNA journalist on location reported only smoke from nearby air defense systems, and the IAEA has stated there is no increase in radiation levels. 2. What US military bases could Iran target in retaliation? Iran has vowed to strike back, naming all US military bases in the region as potential targets. High-risk locations include Al-Asad and Erbil in Iraq, Al-Udeid in Qatar, NSA Bahrain, Al Dhafra in the UAE, and outposts in Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait. 3. Has Iran's nuclear program been fully disabled by the recent strikes? Iran's Atomic Energy Organization says enriched uranium was relocated prior to the attack, and critical infrastructure may have survived. The IAEA continues to assess the situation, but early reports suggest the core functions of the Fordow facility remain largely intact.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Weekly Affirmations for Each Zodiac for the week of June 22 - 28, 2025
This week's astrological guidance, crafted by Sidhharrth S Kumaar, encourages each zodiac sign to embrace specific qualities for personal growth. Aries should focus on purpose, while Taurus welcomes change. Gemini is urged to communicate with kindness, and Cancer to honor emotions. Aries "I am focused, grounded, and guided by purpose." This week, aim to keep your inner flame calm and purposeful. By centering your attention on one key goal, you'll uncover deep strength in stillness. Taurus "I welcome change as a path to stability and growth." Changes might test your routine, but your strong foundation will support you. Each adjustment is a building block for a more secure future. Gemini "I communicate with clarity, kindness, and intention." Use your natural way with words to create connection and healing. Express with heart, and you'll see your bonds strengthen and expand. Cancer "I honor my emotions and give myself space to heal." Your sensitivity brings depth. Make room for reflection this week, knowing that your emotional wisdom is what makes you powerful. Leo "I shine with authenticity and attract what aligns with my soul." Lead from your heart not to impress, but to express truth. When your light is honest, it draws exactly what belongs to you. Virgo "I release control and trust the flow of life." You've laid the foundation now it's time to let go. Perfection isn't needed; allow life to surprise you with its timing and grace. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Libra "I create balance in every space I enter." In both your inner and outer world, seek beauty and peace. You deserve symmetry and calm wherever you go and whoever you're with. Scorpio "I am resilient, calm, and in control of my energy." Instead of reacting quickly, pause. Stillness is your greatest strength this week. From that calm place, you'll find your direction clearly. Sagittarius "I expand my world with optimism and wisdom." This week, open up to new people and fresh experiences. Trust your joy to lead you to deeper learning and brighter visions. Capricorn "I build my future with steady steps and deep belief." You're moving steadily toward success. One focused step at a time, your consistent energy will help you achieve what you truly seek. Aquarius "I embrace my uniqueness and trust my inner vision." Your originality is your gift. Stay true to your ideas and trust them even when they're different. You're here to lead through innovation. Pisces "I am deeply connected to my intuition and protected by grace." Inspiration flows your way now. Pay attention to signs in your dreams and art your soul is quietly showing you the next step. This article is written by, Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Registered Pharmacist, Astro Numerologist, Life & Relationship Coach, Vaastu Expert, IKS Expert, I Ching Expert, Energy Healer, Music Therapist, Author of 'Think like a Sage Lead like a CEO' series and Chief Astro Strategy Officer (CASO), NumroVani. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
