Trust me I have nothing against your parents, they were only acting as per social norms of their era, good or bad.
I mentioned earlier that problems of SC/ST are purely social and economic part is only the byproduct of this social evil. Similarly, the reservation system was deemed as the most effective tool to fight this social evil but the benefits of it would also be seen economically.
The first thing our constitution ensured is equality ot all citizens regardless of caste, religion, gender etc. Secondly it made provisions of reservation for their inclusion in society, government and administration as per poona pact of 1932. Accordingly reservation was given in legislature, administration and education. Thirdly, untouchability and discrimination based on caste was made a criminal offence. So reservation was not the only tool to bring social justice.
Social evils like dowry as a crime was not universally applicable in each and every case. Wedding gifts by parents can not be stopped. It was given to women because women did not have the right of inheritance to property from parents. This hindu tradition was removed by our govt. thereby making dowry system redundant. Secondly, dowry was criminalized under IPC. So every evil has to be fought as per its nature. I hope I have been able to answer your query.