The Tracking Indian Youth Attitudes Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the socio-political views and experiences of young people across India.
At 26, Shriya Giri balances many roles than most can imagine—assistant professor, PhD scholar, and a UPSC aspirant. In this conversation, Shriya opens up about the pressures women feel to get married and the weight of societal expectations.
“As soon as you turn 25, your family starts pushing the idea that marriage is essential. It becomes hard to ignore and even harder to focus on your goals. For me, it started around 24—my parents began saying things like, “Marriage is important,” almost as if getting me married is their final responsibility. I’ve been trying to push it aside as much as I can, but honestly, it’s starting to feel like a barrier between me and my career.”
Read her full story below. Profile by Nehal Gupta.
Nehal: Can you tell me about your background?
Shriya: I'm Shriya Giri, originally from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. I'm 26 years old and currently working as an assistant professor at the University of Delhi. I'm also pursuing my PhD at IIT Delhi. I did my Bachelor's in Economics from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, and then went on to complete my Master's from the Delhi School of Economics.
Nehal: How would you describe your daily life?
Shriya: Honestly, in one word—chaotic. But like many young people, I’ve learned to manage. Teaching is something I really enjoy, so a big part of my day is spent in the classroom. The rest of my time goes into writing—whether it’s books, research papers, or chapters for my PhD thesis. On top of all that, I’m also preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam.
Nehal: So you must follow news and current affairs, right? What sources are reliable as per you?
Shriya: Absolutely, I follow current affairs quite thoroughly. I rely on official sources like PIB, and read newspapers like The Indian Express, The Hindu, and Hindustan Times. I also watch news channels—both Hindi and English—and keep up with press conferences, seminars, economic surveys, and official government websites and documents. For my UPSC prep, I often make short summaries of what I read.
My routine’s a bit intense—I usually wake up around 4 A.M. to read the newspapers for a couple of hours. Then I catch up on news online while commuting on the metro. I squeeze in the rest of my studying between classes and in the evenings. Let’s just say, my sleep schedule is messed up.
Nehal: When do you get time for yourself?
Shriya: Honestly, I think I’ll find time for myself only once I’ve achieved what I set out to do. UPSC has been my passion since college, and I’ve been preparing for it ever since. But no matter how much I study, it never feels like enough. Many of my seniors—and even some juniors—are already serving as IAS or IPS officers. I haven’t had the confidence to sit for the exam yet. Until I clear it, ‘me-time’ just isn’t part of the plan.
Nehal: Being a woman, do you face any societal pressure to marry at your age?
Shriya: Definitely. As soon as you turn 25, your family starts pushing the idea that marriage is essential. It becomes hard to ignore and even harder to focus on your goals. For me, it started around 24—my parents began saying things like, “Marriage is important,” almost as if getting me married is their final responsibility. I’ve been trying to push it aside as much as I can, but honestly, it’s starting to feel like a barrier between me and my career.
Nehal: Do you think people should be allowed to marry whoever they want?
Shriya: Women today are becoming more independent—they're getting educated, exploring opportunities, and reinventing their boundaries. It’s only fair that they also have the freedom to choose their life partners. If someone feels unsure, they should consult their parents. Women should be able to share their thoughts and feelings with their parents. I’ve also noticed how divorce rates are rising in India. As we adopt aspects of Western culture, there’s a shift away from traditional norms. Slowly, but surely, things will change.
Nehal: So, do you think we are also absorbing gender equality from the west?
Shriya: I don't think anyone has fully absorbed the idea of gender equality. There may be a surface level show of equality, but it's non-existent on a deeper level.
Even though there are many western countries that provide great opportunities for both men and women, it can still be performative. For example, many companies will reserve a certain percentage of seats for women. But this is not for the sake of equality or inclusion, it’s simply to polish the institution’s reputation. They want to show that they are giving a chance to women.
To me, equality doesn’t mean handing everything to women—it means giving opportunities based on merit, regardless of gender. But in today’s capitalist economy, we are leaving true equality behind for the show of equality.
Nehal: What does being an Indian mean to you?
Shriya: For me, being an Indian isn’t about religion or caste—it’s about standing by my country and its people. It means being of service, contributing in whatever way I can. As a teacher, I see all my students as equals—they represent the future of India. My only goal is to do something meaningful for my country. Whatever I achieve in this life, I want it to leave a positive impact on India.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from the youth of India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
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