Kerala woman cancels wedding after dowry demand, posts reason on Facebook

Mangalore Today News Network

Kerala, Dec 09, 2015: In India, asking for dowry is strictly prohibited by law under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1962, but the system is still very much prevalent. This is because many Indian families give dowry to grooms and their families for fear of not finding a match for their daughter and social shame associated with it. But a woman in Thissur, Kerala, was courageous enough to cancel her wedding after the groom demanded money and gold as dowry. In fact, Remya Ramachandran, the bride in question, posted the confession on her Facebook page.

She wrote:

Friends,

Here is an announcement for people asking me about my wedding day. The person, who before the engagement, used to say that he needed just me, is now demanding Rs 5 lakh and 50 sovereigns of gold. Since I am completely against dowry and believe it will be a losing proposition to buy into a family that cannot keep its word, I have decided not to go ahead with this alliance. Thank you.

Remya


Her bold message comes as a lesson for all those who give in to the demands of social customs such as dowry, even after a marriage is fixed. Ramachandran’s unorthodox step, her belief in her principles and the courage with which she spoke about it on a social and public platform has rightfully solicited positive responses from many.

The post went viral on social media despite being written in a local diallect. As expected, it has garnered massive support and several shares. She even thanked people later. “I would like to explain that it was my declaration of a decision. Never had an intention to hurt anyone specifically. Please don’t use my post for personalized humiliation ,instead use it against our social norms,” wrote Ramachandran.