THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Making a clarion calls against dowry, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has decided to join a protest called against the practise of dowry organised in the wake of recent tragic death of Vismaya, a young woman who was repeatedly assaulted by her husband in the name of dowry. The Governor, who is fasting at the Raj Bhavan from 8 am to 6 pm, will join the protest at Gandhi Bhavan between 4.30 to 6 pm today.

"Our beloved state of Kerala was recently in the news for a tragic death due to dowry. It is said 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 womanhood," said the Governor.

He went on to say, ‘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 which attract imprisonment 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 the society to noble levels of social welfare, as advised by our scriptures, he said, quoting verses from Upanishad.

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