This is the story of 25-year-old girl from a middle-class family.  Her parents started searching for a Groom for her. And then it all began. Her parents talk to a lot of families about her marriage over the phone and one thing which was dominant in a lot of families, "We are on the GROOM's side (hum to ladke wale hai)". Some wanted 50 lakhs as dowry. Some wanted luxury cars. It has been 5 years since this process. Gunjan lost her self-confidence. She started feeling like a liability to her parents. This is not the first time she has encountered this problem in society. The same problem is faced by her married friends. Her friends  were facing domestic violence, and physical torture at their in-laws homes.

As per the NCRB data 35,493 dowry deaths were reported in the country between 2017 and 2022. Condition is pathetic in states like UP, and Bihar, Rajasthan.

Giving a huge dowry and fulfilling the needs of the inlaws does not guarantee that their daughter will be happy. Whenever we speak about dowry harassment, we think that burning women alive for money, killing them for money & fighting with their parents for more dowry, but there are other sides also.

A woman is always taunted for bringing less dowry. Pressuring her to bring things or money from her parents. Speaking about her parents' low financial condition & insulting her. Gunjan parents used to convince her to be ok with dowry. They used to tell her "Nobody will marry you without dowry " and "Hum to ladki wale hai  - krna pdta hai" (We are the bride's parents, we are expected to give dowry). She even heard a conversation between her parents in which they said they would be willing to sell off their property or will take a loan from the bank to fulfill the desire of Gunjan's future in-laws.

The dowry menace is rampant in Bhopal. Therefore, I urge the Commissioner of Police, Bhopal to deploy a dowry prohibition officer in every marriage venue in Bhopal by the end of July 2023. Instant raids should be done by police officials at the marriage function. Those found giving or receiving dowry should immediately been booked as per the Dowry Prohibition Law 1961. 

Fear of punishment will be the best way to put a stop to this cruel practice. put a stop to this cruel practice. I want to raise my voice against the dowry system in India. and put an end to this. you can support me by signing this petition.

Image credit: Ali Xeeshan and UN Women