Maratha community launches ‘Mission Vaishnavi', decides to socially boycott families demanding dowry
IN the wake of the death of Vaishnavi Hagawane–the 23-year-old woman who died by suicide following alleged constant harassment and torture over dowry demand, the Maratha community has launched 'Mission Vaishnavi' to ensure that no other young woman from the community becomes a victim of the social evil.
The Maratha community has also decided to socially boycott families which indulge in dowry harassment and has made it compulsory for families to equally share the marriage expenditure.
'The decision to launch Mission Vaishnavi has been taken following the suicide of the 23-year-old woman. The incident has embarrassed the Maratha community…We want to ensure that no other young woman from the Maratha community falls prey victim to the social evil of dowry,' Arvind Shinde, one of the leaders of the Maratha community who took the initiative to hold the meeting, told The Indian Express. Shinde is also the president of the Congress's Pune city unit.
On May 16, Vaishnavi Hagawane died at her in-law's residence in Bhukum area of Mulshi taluka. According to police, Vaishnavi ended her life following constant harrasment and torture by her in-laws. Five members of the family have been arrested in the case.
However, her parents alleged that she was beaten up and was constantly harassed and tortured by the Hagawanes who demanded Rs 2 crore for purchasing land. Vaishnavi's family said during the marriage, they had given a Fortuner worth over Rs 40 lakh, cash and 510 gram gold in dowry.
At the meeting on Wednesday, leaders expressed that the incident has given the Maratha community a bad image and it has suffered embarrassment at the way dowries have been brazenly demanded by some families. The meeting called for stopping the dowry system and social boycott of those who indulged in this practice.
Shinde said various resolutions were unanimously passed at the meeting. 'One of the resolution was equally sharing the marriage expenditure between the wife and the groom's family. This will ensure that dowry has no place in our marriages,' said Shinde.
Shinde said it was decided that the Maratha community should take the lead in conducting simple marriages, which could be emulated by the masses as well. ''We want to ensure that our marriages are a simple affair and not a lavish one. Expensive gifts from both sides should be avoided. There should be less noise and more social messages,' he said.
Shinde said they also decided that the felicitation of prominent people, which happen at almost all Maratha weddings, should be curbed. 'If the families want to felicitate prominent members of the society, they should do so after the marriage has been solemnised. It should not happen before the marriage. We should not keep the bridegroom and bride waiting. Neither should we test the patience of the crowd. At the same time, the families should remember that those who attend the marriages are also important like the prominent members of the society,' he said, adding that holding marriages at scheduled time is also important.
Shrikant Shirole, another leader, said, 'We have decided to set up a committee of prominent members of the Maratha community to stop the harassment that young brides face for dowry. The committee will provide guidance to stop the dowry system, unnecessary expenditure during marriages and harassment of the brides. It will also implement measures towards that end.'
'At the meeting, several members decided to take measures, starting with their own families. They vowed to hold simple marriages, avoid huge expenditures and not make any demands from the bride's family. Families which harass the young brides will face 'roti-beti' or social boycott.' There will be more such meetings in future to effectively implement the plan,' said Shinde.
MLA Chetan Tupe, who is also a prominent Maratha community leader, said, 'If any family is found harassing their daughter-in-law, they will face social boycott. This is going to send out a very strong message…Our first meeting was in a way the start of social purification in the society. We want to stop the bad practices and bring in positive changes. We expect every member to take responsible steps with regards to marriages,' he said.
Shrimant Kokate, a popular author from the Maratha community, said, 'I welcome the steps taken by the community leaders. They should be strictly enforced, especially the decision related to equally share the marriage expenditure. This will take off a huge burden from the bride's family.'
'Maratha community worships Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in whose regime women held a place of pride. Sadly, today the community has veered away from the path shown by the Maratha king. Shivaji Maharaj would have never approved the kind of treatment that young women are getting today. The Maratha community should therefore stop the practice of taking dowry and give the dignity that our women deserve,' said Kokate.
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