Another year, another way by Indian administrations to dilute the essence of Valentine’s Day. And this time the way is ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’.
Schools in Surat, Gujarat, have been asked to observe ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’ (Mother-Father Worship Day) on Valentine’s day to “cultivate Indian cultural values among school children”.
The circular issued by district education officer asks schools to invite at least five to ten couples and ask their sons and daughters to worship them with flowers, vermilion, chanting of prayers and offering sweets.
The schools have been asked to invite local corporators, school management committee members or social workers. They would give speeches; highlighting the importance of the day. At the end of the event, the schools will also have to submit a report detailing the event with photographs as proof.
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The move was criticised by the opposition who accused the BJP of not concentrating on uplifting the standard of education and issuing such diversionary “fatwas”.
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“We know the importance of parents in our life and culture. The circular directing schools to celebrate Parents Worship Day is a way to divert attention from shortcomings plaguing the school system in the state,” said Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi.
