Youth’s perception of freedom of love, know more only on IBN-Lokmat

In India, the ancient tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day is very recent and was highly objected by many due to religious and cultural reasons. The Indian culture contradicts many ideals of the western culture in spite of having embedded in its history and mythology early tales of love.  Many protestors against the celebration of Valentine’s Day call it the conspiracy of the western world and the effects of globalisation. Tune into IBN-Lokmat this Friday 14th Feb at 6 pm, Saturday 15th Feb at 8 pm, and Sunday 16th Feb at 10 am and 9:30 pm, to watch the Youth of our nation express their views on the Freedom of Love.

Being one of the largest democracies in the world, Freedom of love is one thing that must not be seen as a taboo in India. Public Display of Affection is also banned in India and many orthodox Indians feel that Valentine’s Day signifies and amplifies PDA. Currently Valentine’s Day is celebrated only by the urban dwellers in India by going to fancy restaurants and exchanging flowers and gifts. People living in smaller cities and semi urban areas are still forbidden to engage in this act of love. Activists and Moral Police many a times threaten to attack people seen engaging in Valentine Day celebrations. Such actions leave young Indians confounded as the country needs to look into bigger issues like poverty eradication and growth. India is modernising in many aspects like technology, industry and Standard of Living. Then what stops us from embracing the celebration of love?

“Love” is a generic word with all due respect and can refer to the love between couples, a mother and a child, a brother and sister or even a grandparent and grandchild. Love, is a feeling, an expression celebrated by all of us in our daily lives. But on the 14^thof February specifically, the world sees millions of roses being exchanged, heart shaped candies being bought and gifts being sent out all in celebration of Valentine’s Day.  

History suggests that this remarkable day also known as St Valentine’s Day, dates back to the glorious days of the Roman Empire during the third century. St Valentine, it is believed was an early Christian saint who was martyred because he secretly performed marriage ceremonies for soldiers who were forbidden to marry since Emperor Claudius felt that single men were better soldiers. Saint Valentine realised this injustice and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in Secret. When these actions were discovered the noble saint was sentenced to Death.

Today, most young Indians want the freedom to express love. Many feel that Living in a Democracy entitles one and all to this kind of freedom be it the people living in cities like Mumbai or Delhi or even the people living in smaller cities and semi urban areas. Our youth feel there should be no punishments or any kind of protests against this day of love.

Catch the youth come alive on Yangistan Zindabad this Friday 14th Feb at 6 pm, Saturday 15th Feb at 8 pm, and Sunday 16th Feb at 10 am and 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.