After days of maintaining silence, Lalit Dave, the father of popular Gujarati singer Kinjal Dave, has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his daughter's engagement. He took to Instagram to share a strong and unequivocal message that has resonated widely, making his family's stance clear on the matter.
A Father's Firm Stand on Self-Respect
Lalit Dave posted a note on his Instagram handle that quickly captured public attention. Without mincing words or naming anyone, he asserted the family's position. He wrote, “We don’t have any complaints. Those who don’t find us worthy should kindly stay away from us. We are happy in our own world. We don’t need anyone’s certificate.” This statement was widely interpreted as a powerful declaration that self-respect and familial happiness hold greater value than seeking social approval from regressive quarters.
The Root of the Controversy: An Inter-Caste Engagement
The uproar began when Kinjal Dave, often hailed as the 'Garba Queen' of Gujarat, announced her engagement to Dhruvin Shah, who belongs to a different caste. Following this news, a segment of the Five Pargana Audichya Brahmin community expressed strong disapproval and anger over the inter-caste union.
The backlash escalated swiftly. Community leaders convened a meeting at Shihori in Kankrej, where they announced a severe punitive measure. They declared that Kinjal Dave and her entire family would face a social boycott for life. Furthermore, they issued a warning that anyone who invited the Dave family to weddings or other social events would also face action from the community.
Kinjal Dave's Heartfelt Response
Kinjal Dave did not remain silent in the face of this exclusionary decree. The singer posted an emotional video on Instagram, speaking directly about the pain caused by the attack on her father's dignity. “When my father’s self-respect is questioned, I cannot stay silent as a daughter,” she stated firmly.
She broadened her message to address the issue of women's autonomy, highlighting how, even in contemporary times, certain forces attempt to control a woman's life choices. “Girls have wings to fly, but here people want to cut those wings,” Kinjal poignantly remarked. She also posed a critical question, asking why a woman should be denied the right to choose her own life partner.
Her fiancé, Dhruvin Shah, stood firmly by her side, showing his support by resharing her powerful video post on his own Instagram handle, presenting a united front against the criticism.
The incident has sparked a significant conversation on social media about caste-based discrimination, individual choice, and the clash between archaic community rules and modern values in Indian society. The Dave family's dignified response, prioritizing self-respect over conformity, has garnered widespread support from fans and observers alike.
