The recent tragedy that shook Pune—a young woman, overwhelmed by despair, choosing to end her life rather than endure the relentless torment rooted in dowry—has once again pulled back the curtain on a brutal truth that many would rather ignore. Behind the glossy façades of modern India, beneath the veneer of progress and prosperity, lies a festering wound that refuses to heal. It is a truth that many of the richest families—those flaunting their wealth in ostentatiously vulgar weddings, flaunting gold, cars, and grandeur—are often the very ones perpetuating this evil. Their display of ostentatious splendor, their blatant disregard for economic disparity, and their insatiable hunger for social status fuel a vicious cycle that drags countless vulnerable families into despair and death.

This grotesque spectacle—weddings that seem more like showdowns of wealth than celebrations of love—exposes a moral rot at the heart of our society. When the wealthy flaunt their riches with reckless abandon, it sends a dangerous message: that material excess is a symbol of success, that the worth of a woman is measured by her dowry, and that exploitation is an acceptable price for social standing. This grotesque display, coupled with a scant regard for the impoverished, fuels a culture where families seeking to ‘keep up appearances’ push their daughters into the jaws of greed and despair. The exploitation of the girl’s family—demanding more and more, squeezing every last penny—ultimately leads to collapse, tragedy, and death.

This is an uncomfortable truth that we cannot afford to ignore. Yes, many girls and their families suffer silently, their pain hidden behind closed doors and veiled conversations. The tragedies—so numerous that they are often hushed—are like silent screams echoing through our society. But what if we dared to know? What if we shed light on these horrors? Would it inspire action? Or would we become indifferent again, lulled into complacency by the comfort of ignorance?

The stark reality is this: awareness alone is insufficient. Knowledge of these tragedies must ignite outrage, compassion, and a relentless demand for change. We need to confront the greed that drives families to seek dowry, the display of wealth that normalizes exploitation, and the societal norms that allow such practices to flourish unchecked.

So, what must we do? How do we transform this uncomfortable truth into a catalyst for radical change?

First, we must hold the mirror up to the wealthy and powerful—those who flaunt their riches and turn weddings into spectacles of excess. Laws exist, but enforcement remains weak when it comes to curbing ostentatious displays of wealth intended to shame or manipulate others. We need stringent regulations and public accountability—penalties not just for those demanding dowry but also for those who indulge in or endorse such vulgar displays. We must make it socially unacceptable to parade wealth in a manner that fosters greed and exploitation.

Second, societal attitudes must change. We need to foster a culture that values humility over ostentation, dignity over display. Celebrating marriages based on love, mutual respect, and simplicity should become the norm—an aspirational ideal that we actively promote through media, education, and community dialogue.

Third, economic empowerment of women remains crucial. When women are financially independent, their vulnerability to dowry demands diminishes. Education, skill development, and access to opportunities must be prioritized so that women are not seen as commodities to be bought or sold.

Fourth, the legal framework must be reinforced with swift, uncompromising action. Cases of dowry harassment and death must be prosecuted with rigor, and perpetrators must face exemplary punishment. Victims should be protected and supported—legal aid, counseling, and safe spaces should be accessible to all.

Fifth, we need collective responsibility. Every individual, family, community, and institution must stand united in rejecting dowry and the greed that sustains it. We must create social movements that challenge and dismantle the normalization of exploitation—where the wealthy publicly denounce such practices and set a precedent for others to follow.

Finally, we must remember that change begins with awareness and empathy. The stories of those who suffer silently, the young girls robbed of their dignity and lives, demand our attention and action. If we choose to look away, we are complicit. If we ignore these tragedies, we allow this malaise to persist.

The Pune case, and countless others like it, are painful reminders that our society still harbors an insidious greed—one that corrupts hearts and destroys lives. But they are also calls to action. We cannot let the shameful display of wealth and the silent suffering of countless families continue as normal. We owe it to her, to every girl and woman who endures such injustice, to rise with unyielding resolve.

Let her death be the last tragedy born of greed and silence. Let it ignite a fire within us—a fire that demands radical change, that refuses to tolerate exploitation, that champions dignity, equality, and love over greed and shame. Only then can we hope to rid our society of this malignant malaise and build a future where no girl’s life is sacrificed on the altar of greed and social pretension.