Shaadi.com's dowry calculator is causing outrage; But for whom?

The existence of online dowry calculators may come as a surprise to many, especially given that the demand for dowry is not just frowned upon but is also legally prohibited. However, these calculators are indeed real and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Shaadi.com's Dowry Calculator: A Decade-Old Sensation

One such calculator that has recently garnered attention is the dowry calculator developed by Shaadi.com. Despite surfacing nearly a decade ago, it has once again piqued interest, particularly for those navigating the realms of online matrimonial platforms. Search engines like Google display it prominently as "Dowry Calculator."

Calculating Your "Dowry Worth"

For those who may have stumbled upon this calculator while exploring matrimonial options, it initiates with a seemingly innocuous question: "How much Dowry are you worth?" Users are prompted to input details such as age, profession, income, and other relevant information.

However, the real surprise comes after entering all the details. Instead of providing an estimate of how much dowry one might attract, the calculator takes a twist. It redirects users to statistics about dowry-related deaths in India, emphasising the need to eradicate this social evil. "Let's make India a Dowry-Free Society," it concludes.

Netizens' Reaction: Praising the Prank

The clever twist of the dowry calculator hasn't gone unnoticed among netizens. Many have appreciated the calculator's prankish yet impactful approach. Users have expressed their surprise at the calculator's redirection to awareness about dowry deaths, acknowledging it as a powerful campaign against the dowry system.

Back in 2011, Shaadi.com introduced this innovative campaign to combat the scourge of dowry. The "Dowry Calculator" was part of a broader initiative aimed at raising awareness and ultimately eliminating dowry from the institution of marriage. The campaign was carried out in partnership with the NGO Stree Mukti Sanghatana.

Controversy and Court Intervention

Despite its noble intentions, the Dowry Calculator faced backlash. In 2018, it was blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for being misleading and unacceptable. However, years later, in 2023, the Delhi High Court acknowledged its creativity during a legal hearing, indicating a nuanced perspective on the controversial but impactful campaign.