BSF Constable Jitendra Singh has set an example against the age-old custom of dowry by refusing to accept Rs 11 Lakh cash at his wedding in Amba Bari Locality in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 9 November.
Instead as a token, he accepted Rs 11 and a coconut.
Initially misunderstanding his gesture, Chanchal Shekawat, the bride and her family thought that they had upset the wedding guests or their preparations were not upto the mark. However, Jitendra clarified that he was always against the system of dowry and would have never accepted the cash.
“I was shocked and initially thought either the family of the bridegroom wanted more money or they were unhappy with with the arrangements. Later, we realised that he and his family were totally against the money being offered to them.”Govind Singh Shekhawat, father of Chanchal Shekhawat, as quoted by The Times of India
When, Jitendra Singh, the BSF constable posted in Chattisgarh was contacted by The Times of India, he said the moment he found out that his fiancee had a degree in LLB and LLM and was further pursuing her PhD, he knew she would be good enough for his family.
It was at that moment that Jitendra’s family decided to not accept dowry and reveal this to the bride’s family on the wedding day itself.
Jitendra Singh’s father, Rajendra Singh also said that they would be 100% supportive of her plans of further studies considering she is preparing for Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS).
“Chanchal is preparing for Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS) and if she becomes a magistrate, this would be more valuable for our family than money,”Rajendra Singh, Jitendra Singh’s father as quoted by The Times of India
(With Inputs from The Times of India)
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