Valentine's day has become the most opportune day for the Hindu moral police [i resist using Taliban because they are much more unleashed]. Though they have a right to be heard, the means they are adapting is ludicrous, and dangerous because it involves HUGE egos.

Pub culture is defiling the Indian Culture- what these zealots say. Even if we take that at face value, does it give them the right to kick people out of these pubs? Oh! Sorry its only women they are concerned with. So if pubs are made a men's only setting, they will be too happy to look for other targets! Till then you dirty pubs...! And you dirty hotels, gift shops, florists and what not...

The sole concern seems to me to be an effort to show women their 'true' place. In the feet of her man. Father, brother, husband. And if she 'dares' to celebrate valentine's day- hell for her. And her partner in 'crime'.

Scared. very scared. These so called warriors of Ram are scared of seeing someone their culture taught them should be in the feet, rubbing shoulders with them, and others. So the age old politics of gender is at play in a new role. And this has silent approval of a majority. This is what I believe is the real danger. I am sure these rhetorics will die a natural death but the aftermath will be a step back in ensuring gender equality.

I am least concerned with upper echelons of our society- the English newspaper reading elites- they have the power to take care of themselves. The rural-educated and lower middle class is what I am worried about. Such incidents force to do a rethink on their belief systems. As it is, they are the real warriors who have the courage to take on the world they live in and try to change it for better. By sending their girls to school, by making them feel equal to a son. These people are a glaringly minority and we can not afford to let them crossover again.

My request to you is to make a strong opposition to moral policing of any kind. Once you know the real agenda, I am sure you will like to be on the other side of these zealots.

So the next time you witness any such incident, make it a point to oppose it their and then. Trust me- you will be starting a chain reaction. To a positive change.

I take your leave by saying those 3 words: Jai Sri Ram.