An image of a sociology textbook called ‘Sociology for Nurses,’ authored by T K Indrani has gone viral on social media. It lists out the ‘merits and advantages’ of the dowry system and has predictably angered netizens. This book is a part of the portion that nursing students have to study and the cover states that it is written as per the Indian Nursing Council’s curriculum.
Dowry is the practice of giving away cash, durable goods and/or property, usually by the bride’s family to the groom’s on the condition that he will marry her. This, however, is a punishable offence under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code.
The book mentions that giving “dowry is helpful in establishing new household” as the “custom of giving household items like cots, mattresses, television, fan, refrigerator, utensils, clothes and even vehicle are found in many parts of our India as dowry.” It also states that educating girls is one of the so-called ‘advantages’ of the dowry system as less of it is expected when women are educated or employed.
Notice issued by the Indian Nursing Council
On Monday, the INC issued a notice stating that it did not “endorse any author or publication nor has allowed any author to use the name of Indian Nursing Council for their publication.”