Nagarathars and Dowry

Soundhu Vairavan – Singapore

Nagarathar Community is unique and admirable. A majority of our cultural practices have been preserved for decades. These practices definitely make a clear statement that we stand apart from all other communities.

Our ancestors had remarkably acquired immense wealth from overseas and have constructed elegant bungalows that could sometimes accommodate even a thousand people. They have achieved much recognition and have inculcated invaluable culture in us. Now we have been entrusted with greater responsibility to protect our community’s credentials. Is it possible for us to contribute at the same pace? The answer is ‘Yes and No’.

Apart from certain things, many of our practices have great meaning and value. One of the key factors that could be a hurdle to our societal contribution will undoubtedly be ‘dowry growth at a phenomenal rate’ that prevails today.

Is it difficult for us to eradicate such a currently meaningless, silly act? No..Not at all. We need to put forward our best effort, just like we have done in achieving success. I am neither biased nor fanatic – Just an optimistic messenger.

Quoting examples of our steadfastness and desirable qualities:

1. I do not find any Nagarathar expatriates losing track of their native village. They visit regularly, though the interval is more or less.
2. Many of us still have the ancestral house preserved, though we live for a short period.
3. We continue to render our services to the temples that were built by our ancestors.
4. We are kind and generous towards the poor.
5. Daughters and families are given importance and due respect.
6. Though we are a small community, there are renowned persons in all fields – be it medicine, media, IT, Film Industry, Politics, etc.

Most families bring up their sons with a lot of love and dreams. But after they get them married what is the relationship between the parents and the son’s family? Many times, they end up in a bitter relationship, which is very regrettable. One of the causes for such bitterness is demanded dowry.

Today’s women resist the idea of dowry. They are well educated, aware, independent, and are capable of supporting themselves. They automatically develop hatred towards the family that they will be received into because of the unreasonable demands that their birth family is subjected to.

Preserving our valued traditions and credentials is possible only when we put an end to demanded dowry. I am sure, we can definitely come out of this evil system which was actually started with good intention and had taken an ugly turn during the past decades. Let us work towards this goal of “Dowry-less” Community and always strive to be an exemplary society.

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