DOWRY SYSTEM
FOR THE MOTION
Ladies and gentlemen, the topic of today's debate is the dowry system. Before we delve into the pros
and cons of this age-old practice, let's first define what dowry is. Dowry is a payment or transfer of
wealth from the bride's family to the groom’s family upon marriage. This practice has been prevalent
in many cultures and has been a subject of much debate and controversy. Let's start by discussing
the pros of the dowry system.
Proponents of dowry argue that it helps the newly married couple to start their marital life with some
financial support. In some cases, dowry may include gifts, jewelry, or other valuable items that can
help the couple set up their new household. Additionally, dowry can be seen as a way for the bride's
family to show their love and support for their daughter as she embarks on her new journey. They
often claim that it is a way for the bride's family to show their love and support. Additionally, some
proponents argue that the exchange of gifts and goods symbolizes the union of two families and
enhances social bonds.
AGAINST THE MOTION
On the other hand, there are several cons to the dowry system. One of the major drawbacks of dowry
is that it can lead to financial strain and pressure on the bride's family. The demand for dowry from
the groom’s family can often lead to exploitation, coercion, and even violence against the bride and
her family. This can have serious psychological and emotional impacts on the individuals involved.
Furthermore, the dowry system perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination. It reinforces the
idea that women are a burden on their families and need to be 'bought' by the groom's family. This
perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and can lead to discrimination and mistreatment of women.
Real-life examples and facts further illustrate the negative impact of dowry.
In India, for example, despite anti-dowry laws, the practice still remains widespread. According to the
National Crime Records Bureau of India, there were 7,621 reported dowry deaths in 2016. These
deaths are often the result of harassment or violence against women for not meeting dowry demands.
In conclusion, while the dowry system may have some perceived benefits, the negative consequences
far outweigh them. It is a practice that leads to financial exploitation, gender discrimination, and even
loss of life. It is essential for us to work towards eradicating this practice and creating a society
where marriages are based on love, mutual respect, and equality.
Thank you.
BOOK REVIEW
By: Sakshi Singh
Title: Wings Of Fire
Author: APJ Abdul Kalam
Originally published: 1999
Characters: Dr. APJ Abdul kalam
Genre: Autobiography
Central idea or story
In this book, the authors tell us the story of a young Muslim boy who has big dreams
about his future and what inspires him to become an eminent scientist. This real story
tells us the role of family, relatives and friends in helping a person in achieving his
goals. Apart from the very indicative title, the chapters of the book are also touching –
orientation, creation, propitiation, and contemplation.
Orientation contains 32 years of his early life – days as a child, going through
adolescence and getting into rocketry. His description of the people, who shaped his life,
interweaving religion and education, is a charming part of the book that almost nobody
would miss reading.
Chapter 2 entitled ‘Creation’ describing the next seventeen years till 1980 covers his
struggle at ISRO going from one-engineer-amongst-many to the successful project
director of SLV bringing pride to the nation through the technological achievement of
putting a satellite in the orbit.
The next ten years are set out in chapter 3. These constitute the outstanding
accomplishments at DRDL. The way he transformed the laboratory from one which had a
weak heart with little confidence to one which felt a sense of strong self-esteem and
could feel proud by contributing developed missile systems to the services, is a
remarkable saga.
The last chapter entitled ‘Contemplation’ contains a condensation of ideas and thoughts
arising out of his colorful life, the awards that he received (the highest honour, namely
Bharata Ratna that he received does not find a mention in this book) and some messages
for the future generation.
In essence, Wings of Fire is a timeless masterpiece that captivates readers with its
engaging narrative, profound insights, and enduring message of hope and resilience. Dr.
Kalam's ability to inspire and motivate through his words continues to make this book a
beloved choice for readers seeking wisdom and guidance.
Some special features of the book
Some special features of "Wings of Fire" include its engaging narrative style, Dr. Kalam's
emphasis on hard work and moral integrity, and the book's motivational guidance for the
youth. Additionally, the portrayal of Dr. Kalam's mentors, colleagues, and the common
people who influenced him provides a rich canvas for readers to understand the diverse
yet interconnected elements that shaped his life.
Why you like this book
The best part of the book, according to me is Dr. Kalam's unwavering optimism and belief
in the youth. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his humility in
acknowledging the role of his mentors and colleagues are aspects of the book that
readers find incredibly endearing. The book not only offers a glimpse into the life of a
visionary scientist and leader but also serves as a guiding light for those who aspire to
make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple, located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir,
is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in India. The temple complex consists of a
series of caves where the deity, Mother Goddess Vaishno Devi, is believed to
manifest herself. The architecture of the temple is a beautiful blend of natural
surroundings and man-made structures. The path leading to the main shrine is
adorned with picturesque landscapes, and the temple's exterior is designed in a
traditional and ornate style, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted with a serene and spiritual
ambience. The interior of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings, colorful
paintings, and sacred symbols, creating a deeply reverential atmosphere. The
sanctum sanctorum, where the divine manifest of the goddess is enshrined, is a
place of deep devotion and worship. The air is filled with the chants of hymns and
the fragrance of incense, evoking a sense of tranquility and piety among the
pilgrims.
The entire temple complex is surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, with
breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The journey to the
temple, whether on foot or by aerial tramway, provides an opportunity for
devotees to immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the Himalayan region.
The overall ambience of the Vaishno Devi Temple is one of spirituality, serenity,
and awe-inspiring natural beauty, making it a cherished destination for pilgrims
and tourists alike.
LIFE STORY OF THE SHOPKEEPER
"Good morning, Sakshi," Mr. Aanand greeted with a warm smile as he carefully
arranged the colorful array of products on the meticulously organized shelves
of his quaint little shop. As I stepped into the comforting ambiance of the shop,
Mr. Aanand paused from his task and shareed a glimpse of his life story with
me. With a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, he began to unfold the origins of his
business, as he shared his story; Mr. Aanand delved into the intricate details of
his early struggles. He described the sleepless nights spent meticulously
planning and strategizing, the daunting uncertainty of whether his modest shop
would flourish in a competitive market, and the financial hardships he faced.
Mr. Aanand illustrated the moments of doubt and the uphill battle to establish
his business, emphasizing the perseverance required to overcome each
obstacle. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he remained resolute in his
determination, channeling his unwavering belief in the value of his offerings and
his unyielding commitment to providing exceptional service.
Through his vivid account, Mr. Aanand conveyed the depth of his struggles and
the resilience that sustained him through the most challenging times. His
narrative painted a vivid and inspiring portrait of determination, leaving me
deeply moved and appreciative of the resilience and dedication that had shaped
Mr. Aanand's path to success.
POSTER MAKING
Topic:
Quotations on scarcity of water:
1. "Thousands have lived without love, not one without water." - W. H. Auden
2. "Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have
become global garbage cans." - Jacques Cousteau
3. "Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our
children's lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how
we live on the land." - Luna Leopold
4. "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." - Benjamin Franklin
5. "Water scarcity is the next oil crisis." - Vandana Shiva
6. "A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man." -
Unknown
7. "We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one." - Jacques
Cousteau
8. "Water is life, and clean water means health." - Audrey Hepburn
9. "No water, no life. No blue, no green." - Sylvia Earle
10. "By polluting clear NEWS HEADLINES
1. PM Narendra Modi hailed the inculsion of Gujarat's Smritivan Museum in World
Selection for UNESCO's Prix Versailles Museums 2024 award. Smritivan museum is a
tribute to those who died in the 2001 earthquake, which had its epicentre in Bhuj, it
was inaugurated in 2022. The museum is organised into seven thematic blocks:
Rebirth Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew.
2. An official of the Economic Offences Unit EOU in Bihar, which is investigating the
allegations of NEET paper leak, said 35 candidate candidates gave a mock exam
before the actual exam on May 5. "They allegedly receive the NEET question paper
with answers there. Some remains of the purportedly burnt question papers have
been seized, " the official said
3. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said that Karnataka was planning to come
out with a new tourism policy to attract investments into the [Link] said, "A
good tourism policy will be able to attract industrialists and investment. When
industries do well,the government gets more revenue, more jobs are created for the
people and the industry groups."
4. Tensions between India and China have cost Indian electronics manufacturers $15
billion(₹1.25 lakh crore) in production losses and 1lakh jobs over the last 4 years, ET
reported. India also lost out on a $10 billion export opportunity, it said. This was
mainly due to delays in issuing visas to Chinese citizens and increased government
scrutiny of Chinese companies.
5. Each monsoon festival in Goa has its own special charm. From Sao Joao to Sangodd,
Chikhal Kalo festival, and Touxeachem festival, these celebrations offer a glimpse into
the rich traditions of Goa. Whether you're a visitor or a local, make sure to
experience the best of Goa during the monsoon.
6. Delhi's LG VK Saxena sanctioned prosecution of activist-author Arundati Roy under
anti-terror UAPA law for allegedly seeking separation of Kashmir from India in 2010.
She allegedly propagated Kashmir was never part of India at a Delhi conference
following a 17-year-old boy's death in Kashmir. The event was also attended by
Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who died in 2021.
7. According to Ramya, a dietitian at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, consuming
excessively spicy food can lead to acute poisoning. The compound responsible for the
heat in chili peppers, known as capsaicin, can cause inflammation and irritation in the
digestive tract. A report from the US government-run NLM suggests that an
overabundance of capsaicin may lead to necrosis, ulceration, and even
carcinogenesis. Stay tuned as we uncover the potential risks associated with
consuming extremely spicy food."
