Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and leaders should stop politicising it, say My NEWS readers 
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LOVE iS IN THE AIR: A heart of balloons is being put up at a Juhu store ahead of Valentine's Day. Pic/Sameer Markande</td></tr></tbody></table>With threats of disrupting Valentine's Day celebrations on the grounds that it is against Indian culture, the question that comes to one's minds is: What does Indian culture encompass? u00a0 It is easy for the so-called guardians of moral values to say that celebrating Valentine's Day is against our culture. Yes, they are right, for Indian culture has no parallel of any such celebration. However, over the years our culture has changed drastically and people have adopted this change. But it's sad to see that the 'custodians of moral values' are stuck in the past. Indian culture has its pros and cons. Child marriages, sati, dowry, caste system, animal and human sacrifices are all a part of our culture. According to the Vedas, a man has to retire from active life at the age of 50 and head for the jungles (Vanaprasthashram) before taking Sanyas. How many people who try to uphold Indian culture follow this? Picking and choosing from our culture to suit what's convenient to us is being hypocritical. u00a0 Using our culture for political gains is disrespecting our values. Shiv Prem Diwas? I agree with the Shiv Sena that Valentine's Day is a western concept and not a part for Indian ethos. But neither is McDonald's nor Kentucky Fried Chicken. And even Pepsi or Coke. However, they are popular among Indians due to the commercial exploitation of their brand value. u00a0 Hence, just as the Shiv Sena has introduced the Shiv Vada Pav to beat the burger, it may be a good idea to do the same for V- Day as well. They can popularise February 14 as Shiv Prem Diwas. u00a0 Also, on this day Shiv Sainiks can bridge differences with those from other communities. But till the Shiv Sena does not have a workable solution, the Sainiks have no right to critcise this day of love. Hypocrites The saffron brigade must be preparing to ransack stores promoting V-Day. These parties strongly condemn public display of affection by the youth, but will they ruin the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves, which have frames depicting passion and love for centuries? u00a0 It is ridiculous that we are living in a generation where people are being forced not to display their love, but rage and repulsion can be easily expressed even at the slightest provocation. u00a0 People do not hesitate to get drunk, visit brothels and batter their wives and children at night. But the next morning, they hop on to the moral brigade. u00a0 Such self-styled moral police are hypocrites. It's a pity that they do not appreciate the power of love.

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Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and leaders should stop politicising it, say My NEWS readers

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