In a heartwarming example of integrity and courage, a groom in Muzaffarnagar has won widespread praise after he returned ₹31 lakh offered as dowry during his wedding ceremony, choosing instead to accept only ₹1 as a symbolic blessing.
“I Cannot Take a Father’s Lifetime Savings”
The groom, Avdhesh Rana (26), stunned guests during the tilak ceremony when the bride’s family presented ₹31 lakh, carefully arranged in a ceremonial tray. The amount had been collected by the family of the bride, Aditi Singh (24), whose father had passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moved by the gesture but firm in his principles, Avdhesh bowed before the tray and politely returned the money, saying:
“I have no right over this. This is the lifetime savings of her late father. I cannot take it.”
His quiet yet powerful stance against the deep-rooted practice of dowry left guests emotional. After a moment of stunned silence, the hall echoed with applause.
Family Supports His Decision
Avdhesh’s parents proudly supported his decision. The bride’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying his gesture preserved their dignity and honoured the memory of Aditi’s late father.
The wedding then continued with a renewed spirit of joy. Rituals including the jaimala and kanyadaan were performed with great enthusiasm, and Aditi left for her new home smiling and content.
A Message That Stirred the Entire District
Villagers say the groom’s public stand has become the talk of the district, sending a strong message to those who still encourage dowry. One villager said:
“Their wedding is a powerful example of how social evils can be challenged with dignity.”
“We Are Completely Against Dowry”
Speaking to TOI, Avdhesh — a cosmetics businessman from Nagwa village — said:
“During my wedding on November 22, Aditi’s family offered ₹31 lakh as dowry, but we returned it. We are firmly against the dowry system.”
Aditi’s mother, Seema Devi, originally from Saharanpur’s Rankhandi village, lost her husband Sunil Singh during the pandemic. Aditi and her brother later began living with their maternal grandfather, Sukhpal Singh, in Shahbuddinpur. Aditi completed her MSc, and it was her grandfather who arranged the marriage with Avdhesh.