Despite many initiatives by the government, dowry continues to be a social evil in our country. But some individuals do have the courage to fight such evils and be the trailblazers. 

Suryakanta Barik, an English professor from Sonarpur, West Bengal, refused to take dowry. But the bride’s family was keen on giving the groom a wedding gift, so they surprised him with a collection of 1,000 books worth Rs 1 lakh. When Barik arrived at the wedding venue to tie the knot with his bride Priyanka Bej, he was pleasantly surprised by this thoughtful gesture. 

Barik has definitely set an example for grooms who’d want to say ‘no’ to dowry. What’s more, he will be sharing his wedding gift with his newly-wed wife Priyanka who is also a book lover. The bride’s family got the books from Kolkata’s College Street and Udbodhan Karyalaya. 

As a society, we need more individuals like Barik who are ready to defy social evils. Such moves are always welcome for a society to be more progressive.