stop the taboo called DOWRY in India

Are our sisters and daughters for sale??Alliances may be primed in heaven or in the matrimonial columns, but the great Indian dowry custom continues to rule society regardless of reforms and regulations. Let's come together and eradicate this centuries old EVIL system of the bride's family giving DOWRY to the Indian groom.Giving and receiving dowry is a punishable offence by law in India. But it is still widely practiced in traditional weddings.

What is dowry?:
Dowry is a transaction between two parties involving cash, or other valuable articles such as precious metals, gems, clothing, appliances, real estate, or goods for entertainment, made as a condition for entering a marriage contract. In the majority of communities in contemporary India, the groom's party demands dowry from the bride's party.

Why is dowry a problem? What are the effects of dowry on society?

Dowry is closely interlinked to many crimes committed against women - female infanticide, domestic violence, neglect of the girl child, denial of educational and career opportunities to daughters, rape, extortion, homicide, and discrimination against women to name a few. Some these crimes can be directly traced to the inability of the bride's family to meet the demands of the groom and his family.

"Say No to Dowry".

Let's all take a pledge today,"I promise never to give or take dowry."

To beat men at this dowry game, girls in India should remember that they have numbers on their side. There are more boys in this country than girls. So it is boys who should be running after girls if they want to get married, it is they who should in fact pay a price. Girls should have the confidence to play hard to get, to wait until they find a mate who matches their demands rather than giving in so easily. It is a combination of the determination of girls, supportive parents and a change in our perverted culture that will end this "evil", which is what it is. A law can only help to some extent. It cannot change mindsets.

Any of us who thinks it is not worth doing something we believe in because we feel we are alone,should think again.Don't forget ! A thousand mile journey starts with a single step !