Valentine’s Day will be here soon and while many of us are probably thinking of ways to celebrate it with our loved ones, yet others among are wondering how they will dodge the moral police, the self appointed upholders of ‘Indian culture’ that will be lurking and lying in wait for an excuse for vandalism on the day.

We have had numerous occasions where member of organisations such as the Shiv Sena, the Sri Ram Sene, the Bajrang Dal and others have intimidated and even beaten up people, destroyed and vandalized property; all under the guise of upholding Indian culture. The allegation is that Valentine's day is a “shameful festival” and that it is “totally contrary to Indian culture”.

Pramod Muthalik of the Sene has offered, "If a couple in love are really interested, the Sene will contact their parents and arrange to get them married," and Sapan Dutta, a regional leader Shiv Sena said, "We are for civilized love and affection." So it is “civilized love and affection” that is prompting the wielders of saffron flags and tridents to rough up couples and vandalise businesses?

One could of course at this point digress into a discussion about India’s long tradition of sexual emancipation as depicted in our ancient temples which have no parallel anywhere in the world. After all the cultural heritage of sexually explicit architecture such as Khajuraho that we have in India is truly unique. Then again Lord Krishna is known for his antics with his gopis and in keeping with his image in Indian mythology, there is a “Valentine’s Sri Krishna Temple” is coming up in Tamil Nadu. This one ought to fox the moral police.

But the point that I would want to try and make is, these upholders of Indian culture, how much about Indian culture do they know? Can they for instance tell Kathak from Kathakali? Are they able to differentiate between a thumri, a tappa and a dadra? Can they tell Raag Malkaus from Raag Lalit?  Can they even differentiate between a Khayal and a Carnatic music composition. Have they read the works of Indian authors and poets?

Which Indian culture is it that frowns on red balloons, pink roses, greeting cards and hand holding in public; but sees no harm in flouting our long cherished ideals of non violence and tolerance? And what about the fact that St Valentine as actually a martyr and the day named after him is a day for expression of all affection? A sister may as well send a valentine day card to her brother and a mother may as well express her love for her son on the day as may a husband and wife or a boy and his girlfriend.

So let us all ignore the purveyors of hate and politicians trying to score petty points and celebrate (or not celebrate as we may choose) this coming day of love.