DAMMAM — The Indian Social Forum, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana chapter, in collaboration with Bhopal NRI Welfare Association, organized a social awareness campaign against dowry practices in India. A well-known social reformer, Dr. Aleem Khan Falki, who heads a social reform forum and is spearheading an India-wide campaign against dowry, was the keynote speaker. He addressed a large audience on "Dowry evil of our society". Dr. Aleem Khan Falki said "The system of dowry, which is a burden to the family of our daughters, is alien to Islam and its teaching." He said the cause of this menace is partly due to apathy of our religious scholars on the subject, adding, that the first step toward the eradication of this menace is to say "No" to every invitation which comes to us and making it clear that the "No" is due to the dowry involved in this marriage. He said this will make people think. He defined dowry as every single rupee spent by the girl's parents to keep the groom and his family happy and includes the money spent on dress, dinner and the expenses on all other social functions that precedes and follows the marriage ceremony. One of the major excuse people make when asked about the extra spending is that they are doing this as they are blessed by the Almighty. But they should also look around their relatives, who are less fortunate. The gathering was also addressed by Abdul Waheed, president Indian Social Forum, AP and Telangana chapter, who highlighted the aims of the forum which is to help NRI Indians to resolve their various problems in cooperation with the Embassy of India and Saudi authorities. He said the other major aim of the forum is to bring social awareness among the NRIs about the situation in India. Shaharyar Ahmed Khan, president of Bhopal NRI Welfare Association and the co-sponsor of the campaign, highlighted the importance of the need to work against the menace of dowry. He said his association is actively working to provide education to the under-privileged Muslim girls and boys in India. "Only education can bring about much needed change in our society," he said. Taher Ali, general secretary, welcomed the guests. Mansoor Shah, vice president of the forum, proposed vote of thanks.
