(Image source from: hinducouncil.com)

Though Valentine’s Day is celebrated splendidly in scored of countries across the world, there are few states in India that still be anti to youngsters marrying a person of their wish.

Young boys and girls in Gujarat on February 14, the day observed as Valentine’s Day were made to take a pledge to not to marry against the wish of their parents. Almost 10,000 students from various private schools in Surat were estimated to have taken the oath.

According to The Indian Express report, the idea of taking an oath was suggested by a city-based laughter therapist Kamlesh Masalawala who runs ‘Laughter club, Crying club’ in Surat.

Students from around 12 schools were roped-in for this oath-taking ceremony. At the event, students were vowed to not tie the knot with their loved one if their parents object to it. 

Speaking to Times of India, Masalawala said that youngsters these days have a tendency to take impulsive decisions. “Many even run away from homes and get married, but such relationships turn out to be short-lived. We want to promote the importance of parents’ guidance when it comes to taking such a big decision of life.”

Sanskar Bharti in Palanpur Patiya, Presidency High School in Adajan, Sanskar Kunj Gyanpith, Swaminarayan MV Vidyalaya, Sun Grace Vidyalaya, Navchetna Vidyalaya in Varachha, and Gyan Ganga Vidyalaya are some of the few schools where children participated in the ceremony.

One of the organizers of the event and also a poet, Mukul Choksi had written the special oath. Choksi felt that by taking an oath like this the students will learn to respect their parents more and understand the reason behind their objection.

The students who took part in this grand event were also driven by an innate love towards their family.

A class XI commerce student of Sanskar Bharti said that she is taking this oath for her parents who have sacrificed a lot for her.

Speaking to Express Masalawala said, “I am not against the love affair, but I counsel them with appropriate reasons. I explain the importance of family and of the devotion they should have for their parents. The parents will compromise and agree to their match but they would get hurt in the process.”

Students aged 17 and above have been encouraged to participate and have been asked to memorize the oath for Valentine’s Day.

-Sowmya Sangam