Mangaluru: Saffron outfit Hindu Mahasabha has planned to oppose “western ways” of couples displaying affection on Valentine’s Day and threatened to marry them off if they were caught at parks and recreational centers.
Swami Pranavananda, president of the State unit of the Hindu Mahasabha told newskarnataka.com that celebrating Valentine’s Day is against Indian culture. “It’s a plot by International Christian missionaries to destroy the Hindu way of life”, he told this reporter over phone.
He cautioned youngsters against displaying their affection in public, warning that they could be married off. “We have our volunteers across the state and country. All those unmarried couples who go to parks and recreations spots tomorrow will be married according to the Hindu customs”, he said.
The right wing leader took no time to add that if either of the couple belongs to a religion other than Hinduism, Mahasabha volunteers would organize his/her “ghar wapsi” and perform the marriage as per the Hindu religion. However, he did not say anything about those couples – apart from the Hindu community – celebrating Valentine’s Day.
He said that the Hindu Maha Sabha will not ‘mind’ the action taken by the police. But our volunteers are determined to do what has been planned.
While, the Sri Ram Sene (SRS) is opposed to the idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day, Pramod Muthalik, chief of SRS said that the activists will call up the police, if anyone is found celebrating the V-day in malls and parks and make efforts to stop it.
Activists of Bajarang Dal conveyed that they are busy preparing for the upcoming ‘Hindu Samajostava event to be held on March 1. Sharan Pumpwell said that he opposes Indian masses emulating western culture and surprise attacks cannot be ruled out.
Questioning the maturity of couples celebrating valentines day, the Bantwal Taluk, Bajrang Dal Co-convener Bhuvith Shetty said the large chunk of couples celebrating V-day are rooted in foreign culture are not mature. The amusement factor which accompanies the teenage was the prime reason for them to observe the day with public displays of affection. “The sexual urge of immature teenagers derails future prospects and therefore the Dal is opposed to the idea of celebration”.
He further added, “The couples that engage in late night parties would invite trouble. The Dal’s only concern was to protect the future of the young Indians. Most of the immature couples do not end up getting married spoiling their precious time in meaningless love”. He clarified that the Dal would not have a problem, if couples above the age of 24 years met at parks and night clubs, as they were well aware of their mind.
A student from one of the co-ed colleges in Mangaluru said that she would attend classes as usual and would not take the ‘risk’ of dating her guy.
Meanwhile, the city police have made elaborate security arrangements for Valentine’s Day. With the Hindu Mahasabha threatening to marry off dating couples found together on Valentine’s Day, the police are expected to be extra vigilant.
City Police Commissioner S. Murgan told newskarnataka.com that policemen will be deployed at public places including round the clock patrolling and picketing in the city. “There is no scope for moral policing. Nobody will be allowed to take law into their hands. People can celebrate the day as per their democratic rights,” he added.
If hotels are organizing any event in connection to the Valentine’s Day, we will take precautionary measures, he added.
