Mere creation of law is not enough, till the society is not mature enough to absorb it. This is why, inspite of having law, dowry system is still creating havoc in India. Question is this , how to eradicate dowry system in India? Lesson can be taken from Raja Ram Mohan Roy , who once played crucial role in educating Indian society to absorb the law resposible for eradication of Sati System in India.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy has been known for his contribution towards fighting against social Evils in India. Without his contribution, we could not have imagined a Sati System free India. If woman in India are now free from Social evil like system , it’s only because of Raja Ram।Mohan Roy. Dowry system is causing again havoc in Indian Society.
Dowry system, a practice where the bride’s family gives expensive gifts, cash, or property to the groom and his family, has been a long-standing issue in India. Despite being illegal since 1961, the dowry system continues to persist in many parts of the country, leading to an increase in cases of domestic violence, harassment, and even dowry deaths. While several laws and campaigns have been initiated to eradicate this practice, the change has been slow, and a more radical approach is needed.
In this context, the legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the social reformer who played a significant role in abolishing practices such as sati and child marriage, can serve as an inspiration for bringing an end to the dowry system. Roy’s efforts to bring about social reforms during the 19th century demonstrate that a single individual’s determination and activism can create a significant impact.
Born in 1772 in West Bengal, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a polymath who worked as a social reformer, writer, linguist, and philosopher. He was known for his progressive ideas and outspoken criticism of the prevalent social practices that perpetuated inequality, oppression, and discrimination.
One of the most significant contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy was his campaign against sati, the practice of widows immolating themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre. Roy’s relentless efforts to convince the British authorities to ban sati led to the passing of the Sati Regulation Act in 1829, which made the practice illegal in British India. Roy’s efforts were not limited to sati; he also fought against the caste system, child marriage, and the purdah system.
The success of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s campaigns can be attributed to his deep understanding of the society he lived in, his ability to use logic and reasoning to persuade people, and his willingness to challenge the status quo. His works on Hinduism, such as the Vedanta principles and the Upanishads, helped to reform and modernize the religion, making it more accessible to the masses.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s efforts in the eradication of Sati can serve as a lesson for the eradication of the dowry system in India. His approach was multi-faceted and involved education, advocacy, and the mobilization of public opinion.
If Raja Ram Mohan Roy were alive today, he would have undoubtedly taken up the challenge of eradicating the dowry system. The dowry system, like the other social practices he fought against, is deeply ingrained in Indian society and has its roots in patriarchy, gender discrimination, and economic inequality. To end this practice, a multifaceted approach is needed, one that includes legal reform, social and cultural awareness, and economic empowerment of women.
The legal framework to combat the dowry system already exists in India. The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 makes giving or taking dowry a punishable offense. However, the implementation of this law has been weak, and many cases go unreported or unprosecuted. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s approach to social reform was not limited to just changing laws; he understood that real change comes from changing people’s attitudes and beliefs.
To change attitudes towards the dowry system, campaigns and awareness programs need to be launched at the grassroots level. These programs should aim to sensitize people towards the harmful effects of the dowry system, both on the individual and societal level. They should also emphasize the importance of treating women with respect and dignity, irrespective of their economic status.
Similar to Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s approach, education is a key factor in the eradication of the dowry system. Educational programs should be created to raise awareness of the negative effects of the dowry system on women and society as a whole.
Advocacy is essential to change societal attitudes towards dowry. NGOs and civil society organizations can work together to advocate for change and create public awareness campaigns.
Mobilization of public opinion can also be an effective tool in the eradication of the dowry system. The media and entertainment industry can be leveraged to create a positive image of women and promote gender equality. Community leaders and opinion-makers can also play an important role in changing societal attitudes towards dowry.
Lastly, empowering women financially and socially is crucial to ending the dowry system. Women should be provided with education and skill development opportunities that enable them to be self-sufficient and financially independent. This will not only reduce the economic burden on their families but also give them the confidence to demand respect and equality in their personal and professional lives.
The eradication of the dowry system in India requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, advocacy, mobilization of public opinion, legal measures, and the empowerment of women. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s approach in the eradication of Sati can serve as a lesson for the eradication of the dowry system in India.
Of Course all such measure can not certainly be done in India without personality like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who had played pivotal role in eradicating Sati System from India. It seems as if without him, India can not be freed from the clutches of Dowry System. His absence is badly felt. Had he been in India in Modern day times, perhaps India would have become Dowry free nation.