THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In first for a governor in the state, Arif Mohammed Khan on Wednesday joined a protest called against the practice of dowry.
The ‘fast against dowry’ is being organised by Gandhian organisations here in the wake of the recent tragic death of Vismaya, a young woman who was repeatedly assaulted by her husband in the name of dowry.
The governor began a day-long fast at 8am and would continue till 6pm at the Raj Bhavan.
He will also participate in the prayer meeting being planned at the Gandhi Bhavan at Thycaud.
The prayer meeting that will begin at 4.30pm is aimed at creating awareness against giving and accepting dowry.
“Our beloved state of Kerala was recently in the news for a tragic death due to dowry. It is sad that the spectre of dowry continues to raise its ugly head in our state which has been globally acclaimed for enviable social indicators like literacy and life expectancy. Mahatma Gandhi has said any young man who makes dowry a condition to marriage discredits his education and his country and dishonours women-hood,” the governor said in his message against dowry on Tuesday.
He further said, "The ‘Sthreepaksha Keralam’ initiative of the government of Kerala also emphasises the need to ensure the dignity of our women by saying no to dowry and related practises. Giving and taking dowry are criminal offences that attract imprisonment of up to five years. More than that, it is a grave injustice and ignominy to the dignity of women whose contributions to Kerala’s growth are widely acknowledged".
Respect for women is an ideal that elevates society to noble levels of social welfare, as advised by our scriptures, he said, quoting verses from Upanishad.
He urged the younger population to come forward to boldly say no to a marriage that involves dowry.
It would go a long way in creating greater awareness and ensuring gender equality and social justice, he said.
The governor had visited the residence of Vismaya in Kollam and had consoled her grieving family members.
