India, March 21 -- "Can your daughter-in-law cook?" That was the question on everyone's lips when my son's marriage was arranged. It seemed like cooking was the only thing that mattered, as if a woman's worth was measured solely by her skills in the kitchen. But I wondered, what if she couldn't cook? Would our lives suddenly become flavorless? Did we not eat and enjoy the food ever before? Why should things change all of a sudden?

Cooking is just one aspect of a person's abilities and character. Instead of fixating on this one skill, people should recognize and appreciate the many other qualities a daughter-in-law brings to the table. Kindness, intelligence, work ethic-these are the things that truly matter. But unfortunately, in our soc...