Is India entering the era of "Free Love"?

The 1960s aka Hippie era saw the spawning of a subculture in the American continent. The era was characterised by youth rebelling against their original conservative cultures and seeked freedom to enjoy music, dancing, drugs, sex, creative expression and even politics. At that time India was still a very young nation and with an economy crawling like an insect dignified survival was the main priority of the majority.

But now 4-5 decades later India is booming... or should I say "Shining"... Never in the recent history of the nation did youth ever have so much money, freedom and access to technology. Colleges are full of young, enthusiastic and vibrant students. Modern offices of technology companies are brimming with energy of the same youth who have passed out of colleges and are striving to achieve wealth and fame.

The youth of India are rich, reckless, and rebellious. Hence they are trying to do and almost succeeding at things which their parents would not even have dreamt about.

I read this news report titled Kissing in public by married couple not obscene: HC in the Times of India. It is interesting to see the number of youth resorting to public displays of affection unabashedly. This displays courage, freedom, rebellion and of course making a statement that we are no less than anybody anywhere in the world.

Few years ago Moscow banned kissing in metro stations and the ban extended even to married couples. Today the Delhi high court gave a free rein to married couples in the matters of public display of affection. Married couples are allowed to kiss, caress and show their affection in public places without the fear of breaking the law. It is only a matter of time before this will be extended to un-married couples too. I am pretty sure some smart lawyer will make it happen soon.

And then what happens... India will enter the era of "Free Love". I would like to know what everyone feels about this topic. Should India allow this free display of affection or not???

Russia... Going back in time!

When the whole world is progressing in terms of lifestyles, social patterns, ways of expressing love and affection, technology etc... some nations are taking retrograde steps. Couple of years ago when I was in India there was a flurry of activity in the country's college and university campuses. The authorities were trying to enforce dress code for students, especially girl students. Naturally numerous feminist organizations protested against the diktats and reasoned that women should be free to wear or "not wear" what they want.

Anyway I guess the Indian university administrations and students have made peace I suppose. But this news item I read on CNN shocked me completely. According to a Reuters report authorities in Moscow, Russia are considering imposing a ban on Kissing on the city's underground rail system. If couples are caught Kissing, then they could be fined or even jailed. And this ban could extend even to married couples and also to plain hugging. Anyone and everyone caught hugging or kissing in public places would be fined and/ or jailed under the new set of regulations.

Well... well... well... I really don't know what to say. When Indian newspapers and feminist organizations fought for liberating women from the clutches of dress codes, I thought it was a necessary move and that women should be allowed the freedom to choose their attire. But now Russia, the seat of global revolution in communism and socialism is passing laws to constrict its citizens expressions of affection.

I wonder if the nation is slowly inching backwards towards the middle ages. First kissing and hugging ban, then there will be restriction on holding hands, then on women and men travelling and working in the same room and so on...

Of course the newsreport is pretty old... I am reading it after a few years.... :):):)