Despite dowry being illegal in India, the evil practice still exists in various parts of the country. Often, it is disguised in the form of ‘gifts’ or ‘stability’. Even though the groom’s family asking for dowry from the bride’s side is something that is highlighted more often, there are way too many cases of things going the other way round.
For example, often the bride’s side of the family looks for a groom who comes from a wealthy background, earns a substantial amount of salary, has a house of his own, owns a car, etc. Many men are forced to take loans in order to buy property to become more eligible for marriage.
This has been heavily highlighted by a newspaper advertisement by GIC Housing Finance Ltd which is being shared online. The ad contains a picture of a distraught woman and reads, “He wants to marry my daughter and doesn’t even own a house.”
The ad targets bachelors and lures them with the opportunity to become a “prospective mate”.
"Having your own home always makes you more attractive as a prospective mate" .
Just wow 🤯 This form of dowry no one wants to talk about. @GICHSGFIN pic.twitter.com/vGze5QhJry— Praveen Angusamy, IFS 🐾 (@PraveenIFShere) October 20, 2021
Several people online slammed the advertisement for promoting dowry and regressiveness. Some even expressed how such a mindset is sadly prevalent in our society.
/dependent on men for their basic needs. There is always a pressure on men to be superior& to be provider.
When Women do something great,they will be appreciated as"tu mera beti nahi beta hai"
While men do something underachieving will be termed as "na-mard/aurat/chudi pehen le"— Rebel (@common_one_) October 20, 2021
Commercialization of dowry …. Capitalism never miss the opportunity of exploitation from here and there…
— Ankush Kumar (@AnkushK70815512) October 20, 2021
Now he owns a house and has a loan of 55 lakhs on this head…..will this make him eligible now ?
Not asking for a friend. https://t.co/KMTMRQPZvY
— Suprotim (@suprotimroy) October 20, 2021
May be the first form of dowry. https://t.co/BxLbm94oUa
— Shikhar Vishwakarma (@ShikharVishwaAu) October 20, 2021
"He wants marry my my daughter and doesn't even own a house"@GICHSGFIN Agar humpe ghar nai toh woh humse shaad nahi karegi .ऐसी ladki अपने घर मै ही बैठे acha है aur सुनो @GICHSGFIN तुमसे मैं जिंदगी में कभी घर नहीं खरीदूंगा .ऐसी सोच ko बढ़ावा na दे #iboycottgichousingfinance pic.twitter.com/ihYUXTq26u
— Rj Rajat jain dowrycakes (@dowrycakes) October 19, 2021
#iboycottgichousingfinance
How about you ???@DeepikaBhardwaj @KDJhaa @SActivist20 @DelhiWarriorMRA @IAmAkshayDhawan @NCMIndiaa @KapilSiff @kapilsaxena_mra @imd2021 @ChudailKaPati @cskkanu @activist_AJ @RajNgc @MenTooSave @MensCommision @MRA_Sunny @RohitK_MRA @ASiffian https://t.co/IeEdAu5hGg pic.twitter.com/6qGP5mo2D6— Rj Rajat jain dowrycakes (@dowrycakes) October 19, 2021
This is disgusting. @GICHSGFIN Withdraw this Ad immediately or we have to share this message to all or even have to file case on you. Advertising karo dhallalgiri mat karna, samjhe.
— Vipin Warrior (@Vipinrocker) October 19, 2021
@GICHSGFIN what is this…remove this ad else face the consequences
— TheWarrior2020 (@TWarrior2020) October 19, 2021
@GICHSGFIN – what a stupid add! Why is house ownership a mandate for a boy who is marrying? Why shouldn’t both partners work to earn & buy their dream home? Next time show an add where u ask girl’s dad to buy his daughter a dream house in marriage! Ridiculous #boycottgichousing https://t.co/TbnA8zxSC4
— रचित मित्तल (@rachitmittal84) October 19, 2021
"He wants marry my my daughter and doesn't even own a house"@GICHSGFIN Agar humpe ghar nai toh woh humse shaad nahi karegi .ऐसी ladki अपने घर मै ही बैठे acha है aur सुनो @GICHSGFIN तुमसे मैं जिंदगी में कभी घर नहीं खरीदूंगा .ऐसी सोच ko बढ़ावा na दे #iboycottgichousingfinance https://t.co/LtSaORMEqu
— Nitin (@Maverikmynation) October 19, 2021
We often fail to recognize the unrealistic pressures society puts on men who are of marriageable age. Instead of wanting a potential groom with his own house, why not let both the man and woman work towards building their dream home?
What are your views about this? Tell us!