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'The Indian woman is facing more and more problems every day'

Falguni Parekh, 26, beautician, Rajkot

I am not happy with the status of women in India. And to think we are fast approaching the 21^st century…. Despite reservations for women, free education in some states and equal rights in the eyes of the law, the Indian woman is facing more and more problems every day.

I know some Indian women have made real progress, but one swallow does not make a summer. These women have the advantage of a good background. The only exception, I think, is Arundhati Roy.

The law banning dowry is only on paper. Thousands of parents in our country are still giving dowry to get their daughters married. Our social system is such that dowry cannot be easily abolished. But someone has to cut the Gordian knot. And I look to our honourable leaders to do so.

Dowry is one of the major stumbling blocks faced by Indian women. Though I come from a rich family, my in-laws did not ask for dowry. But what about the other girls who are not as fortunate?.

As a college student, I dreamt of sounding the death knell for dowry. I had faith in our legal system and its custodians. Today, my dream is crushed. I may be asking for the moon, but don't you think the dowry system is a terrible blot on the face of the Indian nation?

As told to Haresh Pandya.

India Speaks!

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