Love was in the air as exchange of gifts, outing to the beach and happy brunch at restaurants marked the Valentine’s Day.
However, some organisations staged protests against the celebrations claiming that ‘it was against the Indian culture and tradition.’
College-going boys and girls were seen thronging the card and gift shops as the outlets made brisk business.
Shopping malls, Beach Road and coffee shops were seen packed with young crowd.
‘Family values matter’
Meanwhile,activists of the Jana Jagarana Samiti (JJS) led by their State convener K. Vasu burnt Valentine’s Day cards near Sivaji Park and raised slogans demanding that the celebrations be banned.
“Indian culture promotes family values. Youngsters now are aping the western culture which is a threat to our rich traditions,” the protesters said as the JJS activists displayed posters that read: “Say no V-Day”, “Say no to kissing”.
However, Mr. Vasu claimed that the JJS members only tried to create awareness among the youth on the greatness of Indian culture.
“We are not indulging in moral policing such as chasing away couples or beating them up,” he said.
The love birds were seen exchanging pleasantries at Tenneti Park, Kailasagiri, Kambalakonda and Rushikonda.
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) city secretary U.S.N. Raju said in a statement that youngsters should be encouraged to marry outside their caste as it would contribute towards promoting an egalitarian society.
