Market value of the boy next door
Confused with the title?
So as promised discussing another dominant culture in the Indian context.
Loading the bride with gifts and gold in the name of respecting the groom’s family, a ritual practiced in Indian marriages respectfully known as ‘Dowry’.
The Dowry system was abolished in 1961 but still prevalent in 2020. My question is why did this practice exist in 1961 also?
The reason behind this custom is the prevalence of patriarchal society which keeps men at a higher pedestal. Families determine the value of their sons and quote his value as if it’s a business deal while arranging his marriage. It is the unsaid law of the land. This is acceptable and normal and not restricted to rural India even educated families practice it, willingly or unwillingly.
This tradition has put our society in jeopardy, the suicide rate due to dowry is alarming in India, 20 women die every day because of harassment — they are murdered or forced to commit suicide and this number is increasing at a frightening rate. I have not seen a downward trend.
I believe we as a society have failed. We burden the girl and her family because of an archaic tradition which I believe should not even exist in first place. Since the day of her birth this thought, ‘We need to start saving for our daughter’s marriage’ starts lingering in the minds of her parents.
Why should a woman be subjected to this? Do you think it’s time to take a stand?
On this note, I want to draw the attention of my readers to an episode from the series ‘Made in Heaven’ directed by Zoya Akhtar.
These images are loud and clear. The protagonist who was on the verge of marrying the love of her life decided to call off the wedding when she became aware that her beloved to-be life partner demanded ‘dowry’. She left the mandap gracefully.
Do we have such powerful figures in reality? Or do we succumb to the pressure of our families and society?
Do give it a thought.
