In a progressive step, a BSF jawan in Jaipur, Jitendra Singh refused to accept dowry worth Rs 11 lakh at his wedding when offered by the bride’s parents. The jawan, instead, took Rs 11 and coconut as a token.

“The day I was told that my to-be-wife had done LLB and LLM and is also pursuing a PhD, I thought she is good enough for me and my family. That day, I made up my mind to not take any dowry and my family thought we will declare this decision to my in-laws on the wedding day itself,” Jitendra, currently posted in Chattisgarh told The Times Of India. 

The father of the bride, Govind Singh Shekhawat said, “I was shocked and initially thought either the family of the bridegroom wanted more money or they were unhappy with the arrangements. Later, we realized that he and his family were totally against the money being offered to them, which left everyone with tears of joy.”

“Chanchal, the bride, is now is preparing for Rajasthan Judicial Service(RJS) and if she becomes a magistrate, this would be more valuable for our family than money,” Jitendra said. 

Chanchal has full support from her family and to-be-husband for her higher education.

While people like Govind Singh and Jitendra are setting an example for a society dominated by customs and traditions, dowry and honour killings in some parts of the country continue to bring disgrace to society.  

Also Read: Woman And 3-Month-Old Daughter Burnt Alive Over Dowry Demand In UP