Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Valentine's Day

Globalisation has brought with it not only an economic agenda but also a mechanism to influence minds. An example is the Valentine's Day concept. No one can oppose the celebration of love. The young always become the target in a market economy. It is in this context that Valentine's Day is promoted. The day is meant to demonstrate our love to all those who mean something to us. Those who oppose and hate Valentine's Day claim that they do so out of love for their culture. But love in the right perspective is the only alternative in a world filled with hatred, violence, and terrorism.

M.J. Ruben,
Chennai

Celebrations are meant for one's happiness and if by celebrating Valentine's Day, some derive happiness why should the Shiv Sena or the sangh parivar protest? If they are really against western influence, why do they not oppose Indians going to the Western countries for work? Why do they not protest against foreign investment in our country? Growth does not just mean economic development; it also involves the process of evolving mentally. In fact, it would be a good idea to send Valentine cards to the top leaders of the sangh parivar so that they can understand the significance of Valentine's Day.

Vishaal Vyas,
Ernakulam

It was strange to read the argument that the Government should restrict the celebrations on Valentine's Day (Letters, Feb. 13). The organisations that oppose youngsters expressing themselves on Valentine's Day have no problem watching the same expressions and actions enacted by their favourite stars in films. Why don't they oppose the raunchy duet scenes, dances in the rain, and `eve-teasing' in movies?

Chitra Char,
Bangalore

Valentine's Day has been over publicised, thanks to the fierce marketing by card manufacturers and others who want to make a fast buck selling foreign brands in a poor country. Instead of hyping Valentine's Day, why not popularise Holi which marks the celebration of colours and love?

Dr. (Lt. Col) Y.N.I. Anand,
Mysore

Almost all the leading magazines and newspapers have brought out special supplements on Valentine's Day. Our television channels are not far behind. They have already announced special programmes and contests for lovers on the day. All this speaks to how much our people have started aping the Western culture.

S. Hariharan,
Chennai

The hype surrounding Valentine's Day celebrations in the past one month shows how much the occasion has been commercialised. No doubt, love needs to be celebrated but it should be done in a manner that makes life more beautiful. It is time we adopted a unique style of our own to celebrate Valentine's Day. It should be in tune with our culture and tradition.

M. Jeyaram,
Sholavandan

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