Hey Soul sister, Valentine's Day is around the corner. Sticks and stones will surely break your bones. You know that. So does the Bajrang Dal. For years, they've been actively been waiting for Valentine's Day more than most couples in love. The reason? Valentine's Day isn't Indian and is a result of westernisation, or so they believe. But Bajrang Dal (and other Anti-V Day groups), if you're listening, we want you to keep your dandas a break this year and take lessons from a Pakistani university. Now before you beat us up, take some time out and listen to the plan. Trust us, it is way more peaceful.
The University of Agriculture in Faisalabad has decided to substitute Valentine's Day with a new observance — Sister's Day. It is the brainchild of Zafar Iqbal Randhawa, the University's Vice-Chancellor. "Idea of Siblings Day is mine. It represents the thoughts of thousands of young people and families who love the values of the eastern culture," says Randhawa. He says that even though the idea was accepted by the majority, there was criticism too. Nevertheless, he says, "I wish if we Easterns should also implement good practices of the west like basic human rights."
He goes on to say that since the society has inherited moral values from their forefathers that limits one's interaction with people of the opposite gender, the religion recommends formal marriages. "Valentine's Day is not formally celebrated in Pakistan. For the past few years, it's been celebrated in some parts of society. But these activities are not compatible with the culture of the Indo Pakistan subcontinent," says Randhawa.
