Author: Fr. Dias
Publication: Afternoon Despatch
& Courier
Date: February 15, 2002
Introduction: Says Fr. Dias of St.
Xavier's who is against the commercialization of this day
Many love stories have found expression
in the college campuses and St. Valentine has found his loyal followers
among young students who make the most of this day not caring whether hue
and cry is made over V-Day celebrations giving rise to debates that it
is against the Indian culture.
Father J.M. Dias, S.J., the principal
of St. Xavier's College who had been attacked vociferously by the media
for his cancelling of the college prom says that he is not against Valentine's
Day celebration. What he is against is the commercialisation of this day.
"Prohibiting students from celebrating this day does not arise as there
has never been any disturbance in college from students' side and I feel
it's only a small group who celebrate this day," said Fr. Dias. In fact,
he said that he faced problems from outsiders as people would come and
camp outside the college campus with loudspeakers and organise various
competitions. Knowing Fr. Dias, it does not come as a surprise that none
of these chaos could be seen now as he in his characteristic way "chased"
them away. Once he even complained to the police resulting that barring
one vendor selling heartshaped balloons no other vendor was seen.
The students on the other hand do
not care whether the college permits such celebrations or not as they have
made plans to celebrate this day outside the campus. The controversy over
wearing red is not clear as some say the principal is against it and Fr.
Dias himself denying passing such a rule. Whatever the case, one student
was heard commenting that students have defied him as many were seen wearing
red. Sonya D'souza, a First Year student from Xavier's says, "Celebrating
Valentine's Day in college is impossible as we don't want to be blacklisted."
The principal responds by saying that he has never seen Valentine's Day
celebrations in his college and he feels that the day is just like any
other day for majority of the students. He says, "It's just a small group
who are vociferous and made an issue out of nothing. Like in the case of
proms, many students came up to me and said that they were glad that prom
was cancelled." His grievance being that media gave a partial view whereas
in reality, majority consists of students who are happy with cancellation
of proms but ironically are content to keep their opinions to themselves.
He adds that people who opposed him in media helped him to strengthen his
view that malpractices happened in proms. They said that drinking was normal
during proms and Fr. Dias who was working on surmise was convinced that
he did the right thing. He said that teachers, parents and even students
supported him on this stand. As far as celebrations outside is concerned
it does not bother him.
Whatever Fr. Dias says it looks
that students may exchange cards or flowers in the campus but to stay away
from trouble all plans for celebrations for Valentine's Day was reserved
for outside campus.
