Setting an Example: Rajasthan Groom Rejects Dowry Of Rs 5 Lakh, Calls for Societal Change
Setting an Example: Rajasthan Groom Rejects Dowry Of Rs 5 Lakh, Calls for Societal Change
A 30-year-old groom, who received a dowry of Rs 5,51,000 during his wedding, returned the money to the bride’s family shortly after the ceremony, earning him widespread admiration from relatives and villagers in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Paramveer Rathore, who is preparing for civil services, married Nikita Bhati in the small village of Karaliya on February 14. He made a grand entrance to the wedding on horseback, celebrated with traditional music and festivities, and was warmly welcomed by the bride’s family.
During the “tilak” ceremony, the groom was presented with various gifts from his future in-laws. However, a plate adorned with a red cloth containing Rs 5,51,000 drew everyone’s attention.
“When they offered me the money, I felt disheartened to see that such dowry practices still persist in society. I couldn’t reject it immediately, so I continued with the rituals. Later, I spoke to my father and other family members and expressed that we should return the money,” he shared.
Paramveer Rathore, who is preparing for civil services, expressed his belief in the need for change. “I am a civil services aspirant and I have studied a lot, so I felt if educated people don’t make a change, then who will. We must set an example. My parents agreed and supported me. I also have a sister. If we do not put an end to these malpractices, then how will we bring about a change in society? Each of us has to start somewhere,” he mentioned.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of educated individuals to initiate societal change, stating, “It will not happen all of a sudden but we have to start somewhere.”
His wife, Nikita Bhati, is a postgraduate student. Mr. Rathore’s father, Ishwar Singh, a farmer, shared similar views. “Today, women are representing the country in every field. That is why we were unable to accept the cash. I accepted just one coconut and a one rupee coin as part of the rituals. We returned all the money. We must stop this practice of dowry,” he remarked.
After the wedding, Mr. Rathore and his wife returned to their village in Pali, where she soon took her exams as a postgraduate student. Meanwhile, in Karaliya, the bride’s family and the local community were moved by Mr. Rathore’s actions.
“Baraat from Pali has set a remarkable precedent. They declined the offer of Rs 5,51,000, sending a strong message to society about the need to eliminate such outdated practices,” said Bhawani Singh Bhati, a relative of the bride.
