M A I L B A G

Navneet sets a laudable example

THE editorial “Salute to Navneet” (Feb 11) on gritty Navneet is an eye-opener to similar girls in distress. Devinder and his parents have stolen the limelight. History has been created by this trio. I bless the couple with a happy matrimonial life.

The editorial rightly stated that when the brides’ parents can’t fulfil the illegal demands of the greedy groom’s family, her parents can’t even take the courage to report the crime to police because their daughter is a hostage and they do not want to give a lever to the groom to further torture her. Willy nilly she was resigned to her fate, waiting for the day when more and more Navneets and Devinders would come out to change the face of society.

Towards this expected change, women’s colleges and other educational institutions need to come forward to produce more and more Navneets and Devinders.

BALJIT KAUR, Lecturer, Trinity College, Jalandhar

II

The girl from Assandh in Karnal district of Haryana deserves three pats on her back for the moral courage and grit she has shown in spurning a Honda City Car-seeking groom as dowry. There is no end to the greed of the grooms and their families.

Another very disturbing thing is the latest trend to compel the bride and her people to come to the city of the groom’s parents to solemnise marriage there, that too, on their terms and conditions. When will people become sensitive to the feelings of the bride and her helpless relatives?

RISHAM, Rajpura

III

Navneet and her family showed exemplary courage by refusing to marry a dowry-seeker. Today, when crimes against women are on the rise, we need many more Navneets who have the grit to stand out and choose their own paths.

Devender who married Navneet the very next day of the incident and his family also need to be complimented for upholding the value system by being on the side of the right and truthful. The editorial rightly says that there is a ray of hope in the otherwise bleak scenario.

RITA GOYAL, Kurukshetra

IV

It is a matter of great pride that after Nisha and Puja, one more courageous girl, Navneet, has come forward to revolt against the dowry seekers. Her attempt is really appreciable. It is time to root out the dowry menace. Here are a few suggestions.

First, the state government must enforce the Dowry Prohibition Act in letter and spirit. Secondly, court marriages should be encouraged. Thirdly, the atmosphere in the courts should be made more conducive for women. Fourthly, women should be extended all help to pursue higher education. Fifthly, the psyche of the Indians should change for the better. Sixthly, social activists must come forward to tackle this menace. And finally, all boys and girls must take a vow not to seek or give dowry.

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore City

V

Navneet Kaur’s decision is bold and laudable. Dowry-seekers definitely deserve this kind of treatment. She is really very courageous. The parents too rightly supported their daughter while taking this difficult decision. The noble action of the highly educated girl will really be a success if society also comes forward to help her.

Prof PARVEEN SINGH RANA, Hoshiarpur

VI

To teach a lesson to the dowry-hungry groom, Navneet took the risk of remaining unmarried life long. It would have caused immense inconvenience to the relatives and friends since the invitation cards for the marriage had already been circulated. Her action will teach dowry seekers a lesson. Some NGOs must come forward to honour Navneet Kaur and recommend a national award for her.

Prof P.K. GUPTA, Bathinda

VII

The Tribune has done a laudable job in sending the across the much-needed message to the general public that women’s emancipation has come of age. Equally resounding is Navneet parents’ decision to give a short shrift to a dowry seeker  black sheep.

BALDEV SINGH, Ambala Cantonment

NGOs’ contribution

In most developing countries, NGOs cooperate with the government in fields like health care, child welfare, women’s empowerment, education, environmental conservation, rural development and policy implementation.

They have always been exerting pressure on the government, international agencies and corporations to fulfill their commitments.

As their contribution in tackling the problems of poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment and promoting human rights is immense, the government should encourage NGOs.

The government alone cannot bring about the desired level of progress. NGOs too should lend their hand and supplement the government’s efforts. Therefore, the government should encourage NGOs to come forward and strive for growth and protection of human rights.

MAHESH GARG, Una