Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Off with dowry

Sir, — The editorial, `Off with dowry' ( June 7 ) was indeed thought provoking. As mentioned "often legislation without social sanction is ineffective, even meaningless. Dowry is a classic example." This is true not only in the case of dowry but in practically every other similar issue. The role of legislation cannot be undermined. But suitable measures must be taken to create awareness in society.

M.V. Krishna Reddi,

Nellore, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — You have rightly said that without social sanction, often legislative measures are ineffective. Since time immemorial, it has been viewed as a mark of respect for women to bring dowry. In the 20th century it was described as a necessary evil. Bollywood and so-called family serials on TV, deemed as mirrors of society, also depict this boldly. It is not only patriarchy that is responsible for this necessary evil but matriarchy.

Anuj Sangal

Almora, Uttaranchal

* * *

Sir, — Your suggestion that matrimony need not be a compelling goal for a woman if the demon of dowry is to be defeated and driven away from our society is very much valid in the context of the ever-widening rift between what we preach in public and what we practise in private. Indeed, it will be an arduous task to lift our social behaviour from the mire of self-contradictions since our custodians of culture will make a hue and cry about this much misinterpreted and misused term and concept i.e. culture. I would like to say that marriage is not the be-all and end-all.

M.F.I. Joseph Kumar,

Kumbakonam, T.N.

* * *

Sir, __ The action of Nisha Sharma of Delhi and B. Vidya of Chennai in refusing to marry due to inordinate dowry demand, proves that women's rights have come to stay. Among others things, the law must be specific that whatever the jewellery and other gifts the bride receives at the time of marriage are hers only. It cannot be part of the family property. Even if the wife does not earn money, her housewifery is enough to ensure her equal right in the family with the husband.

Aju Mukhopadhyay,

Pondicherry

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