NSUI holds love parade in protest against right-wing groups

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) held a love parade in Delhi University on Tuesday in protest against the right-wing groups prohibiting Valentine's Day celebrations.

"The right-wing divisive forces are set to divide our nation. They say 'no' to love and we say 'yes' to it. So, we are organising a love parade to mark the Valentine's Day," NSUI National Secretary Leni Jadhav told IANS.

Last year, right-wing groups had warned youth against celebrating Valentine's Day saying it was against Indian culture. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) conducted awareness camps in colleges to enlighten the youth against its celebration.

"The right wing groups believe they can take away the freedom of common man by imposing their diktat. They have been known for making bigoted statements threatening those who choose to celebrate their love on this day," Jadhav said.

"They have also in the past attempted to assault people. We wish to reinstate the power of love and unity through this parade," she added.

There haven't been any programmes or campaigns by ABVP against the celebration of Valentine's this year.

According to Jadhav, "They are being very safe this time by not holding any of those campaigns or giving those statements or perhaps God has given them wisdom."

"We would not hold back from doing our part. This love parade is an open platform for people to come and enjoy and celebrate love, peace and unity," she added.

--IANS

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