|
Dowry is one of the biggest social evil our society is
facing. In spite of strict laws the practice still remains and growing in
many parts of the country. Many communities have accepted this immoral
practice as essential practice of their community. Demanding dowry is
illegal, but in certain communities for the parents of the bride a dowry
less marriage is unthinkable. The amount of dowry paid shows their social
status! In many communities accumulating money in whatever manner (like
corrupt practices in service, black marketing, tax evasion) only to pay
dowry! In certain communities there are fixed scales for dowry! LikeRs.50
lacs for NRIs employees in USA, Rs.25 lacs for doctors, Rs.20 lacs for
Software Engineers etc. However, this scale increases with time like rate of
Inflation. The minimum is decided by the community, but in individual cases
the amount of dowry is decided by the status and standing of the parties
involved! The results of the payment of dowry is too familiar that need no
elaboration
Payment of dowry was (not is ) perfectly understandable
a few generation back. In those days the property right went to the sons
only. But, for parents both sons and daughters are equal. Many parents
sincerely wanted to give some things to their daughters. Just 60 years back
the dowry amount was just four rupees in middle/poor class families. Land
lords stories are different. According to social scientists any social
practice at given point of time in the history is relevant at that point.
Such practices undergo steady changes in course of time as the social
situations change. A similar time has just arrived for dowry practice today.
With changes in socio-economic scenario the
taking/giving dowry has become totally irrelevant today. With proliferation
of modern education and exposure to other societies
And our youth becoming knowledgeable, independent and
more and more self reliant
The practice of dowry will disappear in near future.
KR.Aithal.
G4, Alakananda, Coconut Garden,
Nagarabavi,
Bangalore-560072.
| 