Dowry creates interest

KOTA: Dhakarkheri, a nondescript village in Kota district, Rajasthan, India, has become a talk of the town.

A recent marriage has taken everyone by surprise.

While in some regions a lot of money is spent on weddings, just a neem plant (Indian lilac tree) was given by the bride’s father.

Sources said the bride’s father told the groom and his family that he did not have anything to give them, except his daughter and the plant.

He also requested that they take good care of both.

As far as groom’s family was concerned, they were happy with the gesture.

Bride Shakuntla Kabra studied until she turned 13.

“I help people of the village in filling out their forms of various government schemes.

“Dowry is a social malice and I am against such practice. I am very proud of my father that he has given me a plant as dowry.

“This gesture has sent a message to society, where women are subjected to harassment due to demands of dowry.”

Shakuntla is married to Laxman, a resident of Ladpur village in Bhilwara district. His father is a farm labourer.

“A total of 70 baratis (wedding guests) had come to attend the wedding on a truck.

“My father had already informed my husband’s family that he did not have anything to give as dowry, except for a neem plant.” – Times of India