Valentine's Day: A New Perspective

February 12, 2014

(February 14 is Valentine's Day)

A friend of mine recently asked me what was I planning to do on 14th February. My immediate response was, “Attending classes and maybe working on a new project”.

My friend looked perplexed. “Aren’t you going to celebrate Valentine's Day?”

I looked back at her in amazement. “What’s so special about it?”

With the lovers’ day approaching, our young boys and girls are already in a romantic mood. Founded in dedication to St Valentine, Valentine's Day is a day devoted to lovers all round the world. It is celebrated universally with no regard to colour, religion, cast, creed and country. As blissful and blessed that it sounds, in a country like India with varied cultures, rituals and traditions, Valentine's Day is widely accepted as a great celebration, just as other festivals are.

We are a bunch of romantics and desire to celebrate Valentine's Day whole heartedly even if it meant to be only once a year. A recent survey conducted on some students and teachers revealed that not all consider Valentine's Day to be a day only dedicated to lovers. What surprised me the most was that, many feel that even family members could get together and celebrate Valentine's Day. This is something hard to think of especially in a city like Mangalore, where most of the parents do not like the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day because they feel it spoils their children’s mentality and makes them unsophisticated.

Fr Augustine, studying in St Aloysius College believes that, there is always an element of romanticism connected with Valentine's Day. He says, “I don’t celebrate it personally but there is nothing immoral about the celebration, because it is a day, as we believe, to show our love and care to the person whom we love.”

Dr Vijayalakshmi, a teacher of St Aloysius College says, “After marriage, love increases two fold. Love’s all about care, affection and sharing.” Here we see a changing scenario, where parents are slowly changing and adapting to western culture without actually giving up their culture.

A lot of people, including me believe that Valentine's Day should not be a day only for lovers. What about those who are heartbroken and lonely? What about our divorced friends who are fighting their away their loneliness? What about our youth who have not yet experienced love in their lives? How can we say that Valentine's Day is dedicated only to lovers? Wont it hurt them to see others enjoying like love birds and they are left alone with loneliness as their sole companion.

How about a perspective change? How about, this Valentine, we buy cards and gifts not only for our better halves but also for our parents, friends and family members.

It can be said that love transcends the human nature and reaches the soul. So how about we leave our all our differences and spend time with our near and dear ones. This Valentine, forget all your problems and give yourself and your loved ones some time. Make yourself smile and believe that there is always someone to love and to care for you in this whole wide world.

So this Valentine lets rekindle our love and let it blossom into fruitful colours and lighten our lives.


 

By Nikita Ferrao
Nikita Ferrao, from Udupi, is currently pursuing MA in English at St Aloysius College. She has a great passion for reading and writing.
To submit your article / poem / short story to Daijiworld, please email it to news@daijiworld.com mentioning 'Article/poem submission for daijiworld' in the subject line. Please note the following:

  • The article / poem / short story should be original and previously unpublished in other websites except in the personal blog of the author. We will cross-check the originality of the article, and if found to be copied from another source in whole or in parts without appropriate acknowledgment, the submission will be rejected.
  • The author of the poem / article / short story should include a brief self-introduction limited to 500 characters and his/her recent picture (optional). Pictures relevant to the article may also be sent (optional), provided they are not bound by copyright. Travelogues should be sent along with relevant pictures not sourced from the Internet. Travelogues without relevant pictures will be rejected.
  • In case of a short story / article, the write-up should be at least one-and-a-half pages in word document in Times New Roman font 12 (or, about 700-800 words). Contributors are requested to keep their write-ups limited to a maximum of four pages. Longer write-ups may be sent in parts to publish in installments. Each installment should be sent within a week of the previous installment. A single poem sent for publication should be at least 3/4th of a page in length. Multiple short poems may be submitted for single publication.
  • All submissions should be in Microsoft Word format or text file. Pictures should not be larger than 1000 pixels in width, and of good resolution. Pictures should be attached separately in the mail and may be numbered if the author wants them to be placed in order.
  • Submission of the article / poem / short story does not automatically entail that it would be published. Daijiworld editors will examine each submission and decide on its acceptance/rejection purely based on merit.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to edit the submission if necessary for grammar and spelling, without compromising on the author's tone and message.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to reject submissions without prior notice. Mails/calls on the status of the submission will not be entertained. Contributors are requested to be patient.
  • The article / poem / short story should not be targeted directly or indirectly at any individual/group/community. Daijiworld will not assume responsibility for factual errors in the submission.
  • Once accepted, the article / poem / short story will be published as and when we have space. Publication may take up to four weeks from the date of submission of the write-up, depending on the number of submissions we receive. No author will be published twice in succession or twice within a fortnight.
  • Time-bound articles (example, on Mother's Day) should be sent at least a week in advance. Please specify the occasion as well as the date on which you would like it published while sending the write-up.

Comment on this article

  • IM, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 23 2014

    Using the reason that there are "heartbroken and lonely people" and that "it would hurt them to see others enjoying" is not valid. It's like saying- Why celebrate Mother's day when there are people who have lost their mothers or mothers who have lost their children or women who are unable to bare children.

  • Ann, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Beautiful! Rightly said.

  • Sweedle, Karkala/Ireland

    Thu, Feb 20 2014

    good post nikita.... keep it up

  • Almeidss.., new delhi

    Wed, Feb 19 2014

    Rhetoric!! Eloquent and delivery of the article with a beautiful insight for a person like me aka 'romantic' at its best and ease. you spoke my heart girl!! good job!! keep up the thoughts, this generation needs u. god bless:) hope u had your best v-day!!

  • Ronald, Mangalore

    Mon, Feb 17 2014

    That was nice one Asha, Karla for Bandu mam. hahahahhaha.

  • Zohaib Sheikh, Mangalore

    Mon, Feb 17 2014

    Nikiiii , awesome :D

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Sun, Feb 16 2014

    Dear Nik's
    Your 'Valentine's Day' here looks like a 'Asha-Bandu' affair,'A-A.D.' affair.What you say? Please butt in with your DR.Vijayalakshmi to make it more spicy.DR busy measuring two-folds?
    O.k. but later please....

  • Silvia, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 15 2014

    Nikitha, I liked reading both the article and the comments on it. The very fact that it attracted so many comments, shows that how people like about Valentine day. Facebook brings about many touching quotes, especially on V day. I copy below the quotes on my friend's status yesterday, which were meaningful.
    Its love, ��
    when a little girl puts her energy to give dad a head
    massage.

    Its love, ��
    when a wife makes tea for husband and take a sip
    before him.

    Its love, ��
    when a mother gives her son the best piece of cake.

    Its love, ��
    when ur friend holds ur hand tightly on a slippery
    road.

    Its love, ��
    when your brother messages you and asks did you
    reach home on time..

    Love �� is not just a guy holding a girl and going around
    the city.
    Luv is wen u send a small msg to yur frens to mk them smile
    �� Luv �� is actually a name of "care"..

    Happy valentine's day !!!!!!!!!!

  • Ash, Karla

    Sat, Feb 15 2014

    BANDU MAAM,

    TO MAKE YOUR SPIRITS GLOW
    MAKE SONG AND DANCE FLOW,
    LISTEN TO DIANA BAI KUZNANTH NASTHA.
    'SOMEONE IN THE KITCHEN WITH DIANA'
    MAMU it's You You U U U
    PLEASE SEE THAT LOVINA is not a round !

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Correction:

    The part after c and from where < starts. It is a repeat and error on my part.Please do.
    Regards
    B.

  • Rohan D'Silva, Bangalore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Good article, congrats

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014


    Dear D thro' Nikku

    There was Loveena.However, before her was a very very special Diana.
    I had written this one for her.



    'Without You Diana'

    I meet the Lilies and the Roses
    Cooing Birds- Bees that Composes
    Rivers That Roar-
    Valleys which Enthuses
    But then, What' s Life without you
    Tell me Diana-
    What's Life without You?
    U U U
    U U U -Yeppa......U-U-U-U-

    Through days of Despair
    The scene's clear amidst all Wear and Tear
    Stage's set for me and my Attire
    But Then-What's Life without you?
    Tell me Diana What's it without You
    U U-U-U...U..u...
    Yeppa..u u u u.....


    I meet people who matter
    Some fine but some that Flatter
    There's many a thing I may gather
    But-There's no Life without you...
    Hey Ye...Diana... No Life without U

    Say it with all my heart
    No Life without you.....
    Without you.....
    Hey Ye Ye Diana WITHOUT YOU.....

    Without You..........YE Ye...

  • Diana, Mangalore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Dear Niki,
    Great thoughts :) Keep up the hard work :)

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    See Asha Karla... He saw this reply of yours and spoke to me. The gist:
    1. He is sure he will 'disappear' one day never to land again.
    2. He is not sure about what he murmurs. How can you be? It happens to him involuntarily it seems... He is asking if your's does like that??? I replied 'not sure'.
    3. About 'High Tide' and all that he said he knows only the washing detergent 'TIDE'.
    4. No 'saree shop' for him.He does not visit even the 'Gent's Exclusive'. She decides what he should 'wear' and s it seems. She also has all his measurements he said.
    See how fast he responds to all queries.You should know his 'state' by now don't you? Why he 'circles' on seeing the moon and all that.

  • Ash, Karla

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Bandu Mam,
    This husband must be thinking he is Sunitha Williams and is circling the moon.
    Don't worry, this will disappear, but only see where he lands !
    Speaking to himself is he is actually answering his wife's question which he is scared to answer in front of her.
    Like 1 fold 2 fold 3 fold...
    There is high tide mid tide and low tide,
    For other folds visit any Saree Shop.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Dear Nikku....
    See how only an Article makes one dear! I can call you Nikku -Right?
    (had a great say in nick names -during my days-made me that much dearer to dames)After this clamour, to describe the 'two fold' after marriage, I really think it should be explicitly explained.Either by you or your Dr. Vijayalakshmi. Is she your Maths or Stat teacher by any chance? They have their own way with 'measurements' and 'calculations' you see!
    My friend on reading your article, phoned and told me that his wife
    opens and 'folds' him at will after marriage! He was also seeking an explanation about 'Love' growing 'two fold' after marriage. See where all this has reached!I know this friend of mine very well. He was perfectly O.K. but after marriage has started speaking to himself. Also comes out night, laughs loudly on seeing the moon ,takes circles and goes back inside. A case of 'three fold'??? Ask your Dr.please?
    Now I hear her foot-steps. have to go. Cheerio...
    otherwise I have to with 'folded' hands -explain to her what I was doing... Please define 'folds' O.K?
    Before leaving however...Kaalen Go
    Ashaa Bandu Maam-Your Love?
    Kaadthaa Gee Makaa??
    Can't you keep your lips sealed one minute? Haven't I thought you???
    Happy L Day...all! Enjoy...
    I have some questions to answer -anyhow!!

  • A.P., Mlore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    My grandfather gave this advice to my father, he in turn gave it to me ......
    Son get married as you know 'all married men will go to heaven'
    For god knows they have already gone through Hell

  • A., Mlore

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Rita darlin,
    Congrats on your 37 years without tears.
    I forgot to add the sugar bowl is empty because both are diabetics.
    The violet could not be watered due to water shortage,
    Head is empty because it is full of Knock Out Beer !
    My eldest is 24 youngest 6
    It's VALENTINES DAY everyday for me and my wife.
    But you must be enjoying the Henniken !

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Good article.everywhere they are celebrating this day.It has become more Commercial than before.flower shops,sweets Shops and all gift Shops are benefiting from this.lovers are every day there.No Need of saying extra I feel.Anyway to all Lovers,have a nice day.(ours is going to complete 37years shortly.)

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    @ A.Mangalore,here someone has forgotten to fill the sugar bowl and to refill the water in the Vase.both are responsible in this case.Head cant be empty because Looks like functions still Needs only a " knock out " on the backhead.wish you all the best.

  • jacintha Dsouza, Rockville centre

    Fri, Feb 14 2014

    Nikita Ferrao,In India people have taken the meaning of valentines day in a wrong sense.Here in western country they celebrate valentines day, Christmas Day,parents day, Halloweens day and many other days. It brings cheer, happiness and change for a routine life.people spend money on gifts,cards as a result small scale entrepreneurs have business.They can run their families,pay for their employees.Why we cant have these thoughts for our local business people in Mangalore?why make a so big issue and fights?final one question did western people asked anybody to follow their culture?

  • ad, manglore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Love is an emotion- just another human behavior.
    One does not need valentines day.

  • M.Afnan, Karkala(Ajekar)/Dammam(KSA)

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    The article is pretty good Niki ...
    Honestly., I believe it's not only about communicating or talking around about the change in the society.,
    Instead, its all about making an effort to change your voice into action
    As all of us know, presently our parents and society treats " Valentine's day " as one f d worst fest
    I request the youth.. To put an effort and make this day a prosperous one..
    Instead of spending the whole day with your beloved, spare sometime of the day for the
    Orphanage old age.. Who carves for love..
    Definitely, this resolution in our society will give birth to the thoughts of every individual
    Guyzz.... Love is not just being lovers... It's much more precious than that
    Think about it!!!

  • Pintham, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Dear friend to experience the real love after marriage you try to stay away from your wife for a few days, then only you will come to know the value of love after marriage

  • Shalu , Delhi

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    .it's strange to see v'day in a diff perspective nd .... yes it means a lot more dan wat v think abut it .V'day is normally seen oly fr dose who r lover bt den d love wrld is far bigger tan d bf gf wrld nd this article hs definitely helped m to see v'day as a awesome day a day for ol those committed as well as nt committed .... those whose hearts r united nd those who have their hearts broken .... :) God bless you

  • augustinethundathilmsfs,

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Hai Niki
    Wonderful thoughts..kudos tu u. It is frsh nd insightful. May many people b inspired by your delightful thoughts.

  • Sam, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Dear Nikki..

    Its really cool...
    Kudos to you for thinking out of the box..
    Personally, I don't believe that its a day for Lovers alone.. and your article says the same..
    Its also a day to show our love to friends .. which is symbolized with yellow flower....rejection by wearing Black..

    So Valentines day not only provides a base for showing your love to someone..but also your rejection ...for someone..
    ....Your thoughts are really..coollll...
    ...Keep it up....

  • A, Mlore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    A short answer to love doubling after marriage .......
    .1st year ...
    .Roses are red, violets are blue,
    sugar is sweet, and so are you.
    Years after .......
    But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
    the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.

  • Rihan, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Hy nikkiii..
    Yes your right Valentines day should be celebrated by allll nt only loversss..........:)
    Niceeeeeee thoughts

  • Wilston, Panja

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Ha Ha........... Very true. In marriage, love dies. It will be the 8th wonder if love increases in marriage.

  • Asha, Karla

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    BANDU MAM YOUR LOVE
    NO WORDS ........
    There are no words to describe how beautiful she is,
    or how special she is,
    or my love for her.
    To put these things into words would be to define them,
    To quantify them, which means to limit them.
    There would be a beginning and an end.
    There is no definition fitting, nor any limit,
    nor beginning or end to her beauty,
    or to how special she is, or my love for her.

  • A.P., Mlore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    Hi Nikki ,
    For me it's Omar Khayam all year round,
    COME FILL THE GLASS, WHY SHOULD I REPEAT .?
    HOW TIME IS FLYING UNDERNEATH OUR FEET,
    DEAD YESTERDAY & UNBORN TOMORROW
    WHY FRET ABOUT THEM ,IF TODAY BE SWEET.
    KEEP SMILING NIKKI !

  • Af, mangalore

    Thu, Feb 13 2014

    “After marriage, love increases two fold. Looks very funny
    can you please explain me Doctor?

  • Dr K S Bhat, Mangalore

    Wed, Feb 12 2014

    I HAVE READ ENOUGH,HEARD ENOUGH AND HAVE THOUGHT ENOUGH ON VALENTINES DAY. FINALLY COME TO A CONCLUSION. CULTURE IS JUST AN EXCUSE TO STOP OTHERS BEING HAPPY AND FROM ENJOYING TOGETHERNESS. ITS A KIND OF JEALOUSY. THOSE WHO OPPOSE VALENTINE DAY ARE JUST THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED LOVE IN THEIR LIFE OR WHO NEVER WANT TO. IN OTHER WORDS THEY ARE SADISTS. NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DAY OR THE CELEBRATION ITSELF.

  • Glenn, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Wed, Feb 12 2014

    Good article.I remember my college days and to be nostalgic, we had 4 categories 1)Very serious in studies no botheration for valentine 2)50-50 average study,average valentine 3)365 days valentine less study 4)Neither study nor valentine.Do you know who is prosperous in life after 25 years? One who burnt midnight oil,strived for knowledge.Undoubtedly category No.1 and their earnings are ethical and legal.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Feb 12 2014

    Dear Nikhita...
    Hmmmmmm True.
    During my college days at least ,every day was V.Day. There were so many you see!Overflowing you see I was with love!
    Now your Dr. Vijayalaskmi saying love increases two-fold after marriage-How? How many 'folds' maximum -love can go? Everybody here in this portal asks me on these matters-you see !I must be prepared!Many of my friends tell me they were like 'blind-folded' when they fell in love and after marriage they began to see everything clearly!! So 'folds' have a great role to play in 'Love' you see!Think dear ,'Love' should be seen nay felt in a 'New Perspective' and only then things would change for the better.
    Thank you for the thought provoking article manifold and before I end....
    Don't you look stunning in this photo of yours!
    Keep looking like that and God bless.


Leave a Comment

Title: Valentine's Day: A New Perspective



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.