Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
“In France they kiss on main street,” Joni Mitchell sang in 1976. Forty-eight years later, the video of a young couple kissing at Kolkata’s Kalighat Metro station has sparked widespread discussion and reminders that the City of Joy is not the City of Love.
Dance and film personality Mamata Shankar criticised such behaviour in public spaces, stating that it undermines societal values and sets a negative example for the younger generation. She emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum, saying, “Love should exist, but it becomes more meaningful when it is expressed with dignity.”
She also expressed concern about children being exposed to inappropriate content on cell phones and questioned the influence of adopting negative practices from abroad. She also seemed to imply that this was one of the reasons for rapes.
The Telegraph Online spoke to young people from different parts of Kolkata to understand their views on the controversy.
‘People are openly defecating, smoking, spitting’
“Public display of affection between consenting adults is totally normal, and people should stop complaining about such incidents. We live in a city where people are openly defecating, smoking, spitting on streets, while people kissing or holding hands is seen as inappropriate,” said Ali Asgar, 27, teacher and digital marketer from Kolkata.
“Most of these people who raise objections to such actions are sexually repressed. Also Indian people enjoy voyeuristic content and enjoy making such things into a travesty,” he added
‘Why record the video?’
“I think this is very natural and normal. But I have an objection to recording a video of such situations,” said Sayan Kuila, 25, a banker from Jhargram working in Kolkata. He pointed out that instead of recording and shaming the couple, people should have voiced their concerns directly. According to him this sheds a light on the violation of privacy and the unethical sharing of personal moments online.
‘A catalyst for change’
“The kissing controversy at Kalighat can be seen as a positive catalyst for change in society,” said Srotaswini Sen, 32, an advertising professional.
She pointed out that the incident sparked essential conversations about freedom of expression, personal autonomy and the need to challenge outdated cultural norms.
“Such moments prompt introspection on societal double standards and encourage inclusivity. But I think the young generation should feel empowered to stand up for their rights. The controversy provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between traditional and contemporary values. It reinforced the importance of respecting personal space and freedoms in a multicultural society. Overall, it could pave the way for a more open and progressive society,” she added.
‘They both are adults, so it’s up to them’
“We all are independent and can decide what we want to do. They both are adults, so it’s up to them to decide,” said Papri Saha, 26, a banker. She said that some might find such acts uncomfortable but questioned why this should be a topic of national outrage.
“It can be a bit uncomfortable for some but it's okay for me if someone wants to kiss their loved ones,” she said.
‘Celebrities like Mamata Shankar should be careful’
“In Kolkata, a city known for balancing tradition and modernity, acts like kissing or hugging are still viewed through conservative lenses,” said Sneha Biswas, 27, a business consultant.
She said that the tension between Kolkata’s two sides suggest that as societal attitudes shift and that there is room to embrace respectful expressions.
“Even celebrities like Mamata Shankar should be careful regarding their words. They are our role models after all,” she added
‘Younger generations are gradually becoming more open’
“While urban areas and younger generations are gradually becoming more open to such expressions, conservative attitudes still dominate a significant portion of the population,” said Priyasha Ray, a Class 12 student at La Martiniere for Girls. “Public behaviour in India is often judged by societal standards, leading to backlash or criticism.”
“In India, public kissing often sparks outrage due to cultural conservatism and societal judgment. In contrast, in western nations, such acts are typically seen as normal, drawing little or no attention,” she added.
‘Violence okay, not kissing?’
“It's sad that when girls or boys are harassed or beaten in public, many people stay silent and don’t step in to help. Why do we react so strongly to a kiss but stay indifferent to actual violence?” asked Nabaneeta Pal, 24, who works as a content writer.
“Maybe, instead of turning moments like this into a controversy, we can focus on building a society that knows when to speak up and when to let things be, balancing respect for personal freedom with genuine concern for each other,” added Pal.
‘Reminder of the growing hypocrisy’
“The controversy surrounding public displays of affection is a stark reminder of the growing hypocrisy in our society. It is alarming that acts of love and affection are often met with outrage, while far more pressing issues, such as abuse, harassment, and violence, are brushed under the carpet,” said Taniya Acherjee, 24, an advertising professional.
She said societal priorities often ignore critical issues in favour of policing harmless behaviour like PDA.
“Public spaces are meant to be shared by everyone, allowing individuals to live freely as long as they respect others. However, moral policing infringes on this freedom. Those who find a public kiss offensive are imposing their subjective views on others, effectively dictating how people should behave,” she added
‘Natural and acceptable’
“I find it perfectly acceptable as a natural expression of affection, expression of love, and natural freedom. It is the same as holding hands or hugging,” said Tanmoy Mondal, 30, a banker.
