The ‘Kiss of Love’ campaign took place in Delhi and Kochi in November 2014. It immediately sparked controversy and stimulated a vociferous debate regarding the concept of moral policing in India. The campaign, while originating in Kochi, gained momentum through social media and slowly spread to different parts of the country with the active participation of the youth and varsity students who decided to raise their voice and express their opinions against moral policing.

The term ‘Moral Police’ refers to a vigilante group, which acts to enforce a code of morality. When looked at from the Indian perspective, it refers to targeting any activity, which is considered immoral, or against Indian culture. Recently, when a coffee shop in Northern Kerala was ransacked to prevent the Public Display of Affection (PDA), the youth in Kochi decided to organize a mass kissing campaign to protest against moral policing. In a country like our own, where even being hand in hand in public or engaging in any form of PDA is considered immoral or ‘un-Indian’ as it is often termed, the kissing campaign has been looked at as a rather bold step, with the youth fearlessly coming out on the streets holding posters stating ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya?’

This campaign highlighted the bold, confident and fearless spirit of the youth as they came and fought for a cause they believed in. In a move which has been revered and looked at as the youth lashing out its frustration against the archaic or orthodox practices of these vigilante groups, the crucial question we need to ask is- What is the impact of such a movement? It can invariably be argued that the moral police in India sometimes take it a step too far. By virtue of living in the largest democracy in the world, people should be allowed to express their affection for one another uninhibitedly. It’s not only the moral police, but also passersby or onlookers who view these couples with a sense of disgust and shock. Young college students have come out and said that in a society where there’s so much immorality which is practiced under the guise of ‘traditional practices’ (including inter alia honor killings, child marriage), or where item songs which objectify women are now commonplace in any mainstream Bollywood film, or where it’s even okay to ‘piss but not kiss in public’, this campaign showcases an important step wherein the voice of the youth must be heard and acknowledged. By engaging in this practice publicly in the form of a protest, the implicit message the youth is trying to project is that PDA is acceptable and India ought to move forward with the changing times, restricting moral policing in the country.

Although moving forward with the times and being allowed to freely profess affection is essential, it is also imperative to ask another pressing question- Is India ready for such a bold step? In a country where even kissing on screen was considered a taboo up until a few years ago, any display of affection in public is wholeheartedly frowned upon. The Indian society looks at this situation from a very different perspective than the protesting youth; the display of affection in any form or aping different aspects of western culture is not looked upon favorably. More so, it is also important to note that these protests are being conducted mainly by students in large metropolitan cities in an urban milieu where they are exposed to western culture, the media and are educated about what they should and should not engage in. Yet, they have faced the flak of different groups who threatened the organizers, while some protestors in Kerala were even arrested. Some leaders expressly stated that they were not against the concept of love; they simply said that the youth should not engage in activities that are against Indian practice and tradition.

Thus, what is the solution to this pressing dilemma? This issue, much like any other issue which borders on the concept of traditional practices, morality and ethics presents itself as a double-edged sword. This campaign gained impetus and spread across different parts of the country thereby augmenting its importance and impact. Although it did manage to reach out to a large number of people and attempted to convey its message, a momentary movement fueled with zeal for a limited period of time is not enough. It is also extremely essential to alter the mindset of the people and make them more liberal and accepting of changes while keeping in mind India’s socio-cultural fabric. Nevertheless, the overall acceptance of such a concept cannot take place overnight. It requires, time, effort and an audience that is willing to listen to what the youth has to say; maybe then we’ll be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel as we envision a more open-minded and accepting India.

– Aashna Sheth (V-III)