Be it Valentine's Day, Father's Day or Mother's Day, I feel all

Listen, O children of the future, for in the words of Randeep Hooda, we are called to reflect on the nature of love, remembrance, and the powerful yet fleeting significance of days marked by society. “Be it Valentine's Day, Father's Day or Mother's Day, I feel all days are reminders of some feelings. February 14 doesn't hold any special relevance for me.” Here, Hooda invites us to understand that the measure of love is not confined to the special occasions that the world designates, but that true emotion lies in the daily connections we share with those we hold dear.

In the ancient world, great philosophers understood that love was not confined to certain days or rituals, but was something that existed in every moment of our lives. Aristotle, in his teachings on friendship and virtue, emphasized that the bonds of affection—whether between lovers, family, or friends—were not to be celebrated only in grand gestures or public festivals, but through the small, everyday acts that truly defined a relationship. For Aristotle, the essence of love lay not in the occasional gestures, but in the consistent and genuine care we show over the course of our lives.

Hooda’s words resonate with the ancient wisdom that love cannot and should not be reduced to a specific day on the calendar. Consider the Stoic philosophers, who viewed love not as a transient emotion tied to certain occasions, but as a steady force that required effort, understanding, and practice. Seneca, one of the great Stoics, wrote that the greatest love was the kind that grew and matured over time, through the constant support of one another, and through the shared understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A love marked by routine and daily actions—a love that needed no external validation or special day to prove its worth.

When Hooda speaks of Valentine's Day as holding no special relevance, he reflects the truth that these days, though beloved by many, are not the true measure of affection. For love, in its most profound and lasting form, is not something that can be contained within the walls of one day or one ritual. True love is like the river, flowing constantly and steadily, carving out its path through time. It is in the quiet moments—the shared silences, the unnoticed gestures, the everyday sacrifices—that the true depth of love is revealed. It is not a performance for others to witness, but a continuous journey undertaken together.

Consider the life of Homer, the ancient poet who spoke of the love between Penelope and Odysseus. Their bond, though interrupted by long years of separation, was sustained not by one grand event or a single token of affection, but by the steadfastness of their hearts. Penelope waited for her husband, trusting in his return, and Odysseus, though delayed by the gods, held her memory in his heart. Their love was not defined by specific celebrations but by the consistent commitment they held for one another. It was a love built on the foundation of shared values, patience, and understanding. It reminds us that the greatest love is sustained by endurance and consistency, not by a single day of celebration.

The message from Hooda, then, is clear: the celebration of love should not be confined to a particular day, nor should it be dictated by societal expectations. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day are merely symbols that call attention to the feelings we hold, but true love is not bound by time. The connection we share with others is built in the daily actions we take to nurture and support them. It is found in the unseen moments, the quiet acts of care and the understanding that we are here for one another, not just on special occasions, but every day of our lives.

Thus, the lesson to take from Hooda’s words is one of mindfulness. Let us not place the burden of our love on a single day, but rather let each moment we share with those we love be a reflection of the depth of our feelings. Whether it is through a word of kindness, a simple gesture, or just the act of being present, let us honor love in the everyday. Valentine's Day may shine a light on our feelings, but it is through the consistency of our actions that we truly build the lasting connections that define our lives. Let each day be a celebration of love, not because the calendar tells us to, but because love itself is an enduring, everyday commitment.