Bareilly: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University has launched a comprehensive anti-dowry awareness campaign across its campus and affiliated colleges in compliance with directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh government and the Supreme Court. The initiative has been launched under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor K. P. Singh to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the dowry system and inspire young people to work towards a dowry-free society.
Addressing the launch, Prof. Singh described the dowry system as a deep-rooted social evil that cannot be eliminated through legislation alone but requires collective social awareness and commitment. He urged students to pledge neither to give nor accept dowry and to encourage their families and communities to embrace dowry-free marriages based on equality, dignity and mutual respect.
University Registrar Mahendra Kumar Singh said the campaign aims to instil a sense of social responsibility among students by educating them about the economic, social and emotional consequences of the practice. He emphasised that young people have a vital role in transforming social attitudes and promoting progressive values.
Sharing details of the campaign, Cultural Coordinator Dr. Jyoti Pandey said a series of awareness activities would be organised in the university and affiliated colleges. These will include workshops, student-led outreach programmes and sessions highlighting the legal provisions related to dowry, along with discussions on its social, economic and ethical impact. She said the objective is to encourage students to become ambassadors of change by spreading the message of dowry-free marriages within their families and communities.
Faculty members, including Dr. Rajeev Yadav, Dr. Pawan Singh, Dr. Ajita and Dr. Amita, along with a large number of students, participated in the programme. Participants took a pledge to actively support the eradication of the dowry system and contribute towards building an equitable, respectful and dowry-free society.
The university administration said the campaign would continue through a series of awareness programmes and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening social consciousness and encouraging lasting behavioural change among the youth.
