I WAS surprised to read Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) treasurer G. Shanmuganathan’s statement that celebrating Valentine’s Day was against the practices of Hinduism. (The Star, Feb. 8) I am a Hindu and as far as I know, Hinduism is a way of life propagating peace and the love of humanity and life in all its forms.
I would like to know from the learned treasurer, where in the Bhagawad Gita (the holy book of the Hindus) is it stated that celebrations of the likes of Valentine’s Day are against the tenets of Hinduism?
Our Prime Minister has recently urged all Malaysians to be “open minded” and the Hinduism I know advocates this and exhorts us not to be judgemental of others. It is sad that extremists are increasingly using the cover of religious sentiment to undermine the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression and the right to hold a differing point of view.