If society has started empathising with the idea of love, then there’s nothing like it. Nevertheless, I feel that a large section hasn’t yet come to terms with accepting it. But there is a flip side to it too. There are so many people who go out of their way, every single day, to make another person feel special and valued. Think about it…don’t we all do it? So yes, the world around us may be intolerant of romance but love is and will continue to be in vogue, for everyone, forever and for always. Just a small hitch…why isn’t Valentine’s Day a declared holiday?
SAMAY BHATIA, 22, Chef, Nibbles
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It’s true that love is a name given to the bond that two people desire to share for the rest of their lives. A meaningful relationship can be called so, if there is sincere commitment in it. Dating and live-in relationships are just branches of the same tree, if I can say that. Over the course of time, love has come to become a more accepted phenomenon. However, the definition, rules and terms of the game remain just the same. Occasions like Valentine’s Day, I must insist, tarnish the sacredness and purity of love. Couples are too busy buying each other extravagant gifts and forget that love is simple, honest and sincere….that’s it!
CHIRANJEEV SINGH, 22, Restaurateur, The Bamboo
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Dating is lovely. A person must really like you to date you. However, in the present day context especially, it’s possible that over a period of time, either of the partners may begin to feel otherwise. At least that’s the course that youngsters seem to be so religiously following. On the contrary, I feel that dating is a prelude to a beautiful film that has a happy ending. So, when you decide to date someone, be absolutely convinced that you will be able to walk the journey of life with them. Valentine’s Day is just the time for that…to express, understand and of course, love.
DIVYA S., 21, MA Communication, MOP Vaishnav College For Women
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Over the years, the perception of love has definitely changed a great deal. Once characterised by simplicity, purity and innocence, love, today is also characterised by practicality and compatibility. Society has also started accepting love with grace. Everyone has the right to make that choice of picking the person whom they’d like to spend the rest of their lives with. At least it eradicates social evils like dowry and domestic violence. Valentine’s Day is just an excuse to reiterate your feelings, emotions and the value of the other person in your life. Being truly, madly and deeply in love is after all a sign of courage.
CHIRAG RANKA, 22, PGDM, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
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It’s absolutely amazing that society has become more tolerant of love. We are humans after all; we need that freedom. Relationships, over the years, may be less and lesser valued. The meaning of love, however, remains just the same — special and sacred. It will always be that innate, enduring expression. And that’s why I feel that a commercial and over-rated occasion like Valentine’s Day is quite contrary to the ideals of love. In fact, people very often feel compelled to do something on Valentine’s Day, simply because of all the hype around them.
GAYATHRI GOPALAKRISHNAN, 21, MS Communication, Christ University
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Then, love was something that happened between two people naturally. Today, a girl and a boy meet, exchange coordinates and mutually decide to be in love until they come across someone else who might interest them, and so on and so forth. You see the difference? Envy, comparison and peer pressure are equally responsible. He has a girlfriend, I should too; she has a handsome boyfriend, it’s time I do too. And, as if social circles have an option? If they don’t accept love, they should be prepared to find the couple missing, one fine night. I think Valentine’s Day is a lovely occasion. At least, on this one day couples are happy and dream of a beautiful future, together.
SUNNY CHHABRIA, 25, Trainee pilot, Schofields Flying Club
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We make our society and love is a matter of perspective. Over the years, slowly but surely, we have come a long way towards accepting it. Falling in love is no longer taboo; isn’t that progression? When you are in love, every day is an occasion and every moment calls for a celebration. I feel, it’s unfair to wait for that day of the year to let someone know that they matter a great deal. Valentine’s Day, however, is that opportunity to shed your inhibitions and express, emote and of course, love. So, spread the love. It’s infectious!
TEENA MARY THOMAS, 21, B. Arch, Bharath University
