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Social Evils P-08
The social evils and superstitions that dominated the society over the centuries made social reforms imperative for the development of the society and the masses. In the 19th century, the newly educated increasingly revolted against the rigid social conventions and outdated customs. They could no longer tolerate irrational and de-humanizing social practices. Moreover, the backward features of Indian society, such as the caste system or inequality of the sexes had religious sanctions in the past. Therefore, it was necessary to reform religious practices as well.
The condition of women was pathetic. The various religions practised in India as well as100 the personal laws based on them consigned women to a status inferior to that of men. Polygamy, Purdah system, Sati, ban on widow remarriage, no education for female child, female infanticide and child marriage were some of the evils that had a strong grip over the society. It thus became necessary to take women out of this degraded position and help her to realize her true potential. The problems of female foeticide, sexual harassment at work place and their lack of education are still prevalent, which are responsible for marginalized status of women in the society. Futile glorification of Sati200 practise and role of women confined to the four walls of the house, should be checked to combat evils like dowry system, female foeticide, decline in sex ratio, harassment of women etc. This can be achieved by educating women and making them financially independent.
Rajasthan has been in the news recently and for all the wrong reasons. Firstly, due to disappearing tigers, then for a guidebook that referred to sati-sites as tourist destinations, and finally for promoting child marriages for political reasons.
The legal age for marriage in India is 18 years for women and 21 years for men. Marriage300 of a person younger than this is banned in India under the Child Marriage Prevention Act of 1929. But child marriages still take place in India, particularly around the Hindu holy day of Akshya Tritiya. It is a religious tradition in many places in India and therefore, difficult to change. People feel that traditions are valuable and should not be changed, especially religious traditions, since changing these would put forth a challenge to their existing beliefs.
Dowry in India, the practice of endowing gifts to the groom by the bride's family, is a tradition which changed its meaning from willingly400 offering gifts to demanding astronomical amounts. It not only puts immense pressure on parents but also brings them under the burden of huge debt. The inhumane circumstances created by groom's family push many girls to suicide or murder.
The moral and ethical code of conduct of eminent personalities concerns our society as their behaviour is keenly watched by the people. The present cause of concern is the decline of values in public figures. In such a situation, the representatives of the people have to set high standards of behavior in public life. Member of Parliament not only represent the society500 but also lead it.