Sunday, November 21, 2010

Dowry

Though Indians miss no opportunity to boast of their richness, the provincialism and chauvinistic mannerism manage to dictate their perceptions at critical junctures. The future of modern living would certainly get dominated by saga of depression and pains if we don’t come to annihilate futile man- made complexities.
However, the marriages in India turn out to be testing times for bride’s parents even as they leave no stone unturned to dissipate the whims and fancies of bridegroom’s family. To an extent, the bride’s parents never hesitate to resort to unfair means to serve the demands of boy’s family.
No doubt, as per of provisions of law to enter into dowry related deals is a crime, the compulsions of pragmatic approach turn them redundant. This whole tamasha (drama) takes place with least resistance from either sides as it’s a ‘prestige issue’ for both of them. One cannot expect miraculous changes in future unless the newer generation gets determined to checkmate such unholy practices.

For instance, Radhika  Agarwal’s dowry death is not a stray case. In June, 2010 two judges, a father-son duo, were arrested for demanding dowry from the daughter-in-law.
There are many more such cases that go unreported. Just visit your local police station and you’ll be shocked to see an average of at least 60 pending dowry cases every month.

Dowry menace is prevalent among the rich, well educated and high profile people in society too. A few crores of rupees to start life with, partnership in the family business and a fully funded honeymoon are a few requests which they feel they have a right to ask. They view marriage as a source of regular income and feel no remorse in demanding the moon from the bride and her family.

Sadly the archaic society view an unwed or divorced daughter is a burden or symbol of a doomed life and this prevents parents from supporting their child. Girls are told to adjust and compromise. Nobody realises that only if one is in a happy marriage are you blessed. Otherwise you are better off single. Ill-treatment at the first instance should be punished, not accepted. Marital status should not be given priority, happiness should. Girls should learn to stand up for themselves, work towards being financially independent.

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