From sacred Seva to one-day Selfies: What are we becoming?

In recent decades, India has witnessed a surge in the observance of imported celebrations such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Parents’ Day, Valentine's Day, Friendship Day, Grandparents! Day, Daughter's Day, and Son's Day.

- MAHADEEP SINGH JAMWAL

These "days of love" have found prominence not just on social media but also in schools, offices, malls, and even homes. While the sentiments behind them may seem heartwarming, the shift raises a deeper question: Are we replacing a culture of lifelong reverence and duty with one-day performances driven by social validation and market forces?

In Western societies, the concept of such days emerged from a vacuum created by fragmented family structures, emotional distances, and the rise of individualism. In these cultures, children often live independently and far from parents; the emotional connect tends to wane with time. Therefore, symbolic dates such as Mother's Day or Friendship Day serve as scheduled reminders to reconnect - often celebrated with cards, flowers, or social media posts. As one observes, "In fast-paced lives with fractured ties, one-day tributes help love arise."