To me, Valentine's Day is not merely limited to a lover but

"To me, Valentine's Day is not merely limited to a lover but speaks of universal love." These words, spoken by the revered Dimple Kapadia, shift our understanding of Valentine's Day from a celebration of romantic affection to a grander, more inclusive reflection on love in all its forms. Kapadia reminds us that love is not a narrow experience confined to lovers alone; it is a universal force that permeates the world, binding humanity in shared connection, compassion, and understanding. In this vision, Valentine's Day becomes not just a day for couples, but a celebration of the love we give and receive in all aspects of our lives.

The concept of universal love is not a modern notion. In the ancient world, love was seen as a force that transcended individual relationships. The Greeks, with their varied philosophies, celebrated love in many forms—eros, philia, and agape. Eros, the love of romantic attraction, was often seen as a powerful force that could drive individuals to the heights of passion or the depths of tragedy, as exemplified in the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. But there was also philia, the love between friends, which held the highest honor in many Greek circles, celebrated by philosophers like Aristotle. And then, perhaps most profoundly, there was agape, the selfless love that connected people to one another on a divine and eternal level. This is the love that Kapadia alludes to: a love that is not bound by romantic attachment but stretches to encompass all human connections—familial, platonic, and communal.

In the context of Valentine’s Day, Kapadia encourages us to broaden our scope. Rather than focusing solely on the love between partners, we are invited to recognize the diverse and all-encompassing nature of love. Take, for example, the story of King Solomon, a ruler whose wisdom and leadership extended beyond the realm of politics to the hearts of the people. Solomon understood that his greatest gifts were not in his riches, but in his capacity to love and serve his people. His wisdom, as detailed in the Book of Proverbs, often centered on the theme of love—not just as a romantic emotion, but as a binding force between individuals, families, and communities. Solomon’s reign was marked by peace, and that peace was built on the love he shared not only with his queen, but with his subjects, his God, and the wisdom he imparted.

The Romans, too, understood this concept of universal love. In the days of the great empire, romantic love was celebrated in the form of epic poetry and art, but their greatest emphasis was placed on love for the state and the community. Cicero, the Roman philosopher and orator, believed that the health of the state was dependent on the love and unity of its people. It was this same love that would later manifest in Christianity, where Jesus Christ taught a message of universal love—love for neighbor, love for enemy, and love for self. This radical love was not limited to any one group, but was a universal call for unity and peace among all people. This spirit of agape, which transcends romantic love, aligns perfectly with Kapadia’s vision of Valentine’s Day as a time to celebrate love in all its forms, not just between lovers, but among all humankind.

In more modern times, Kapadia’s words encourage us to reconsider how we celebrate this day. While the world may market Valentine's Day as a day of romantic love, her perspective invites us to think beyond the commercial and embrace a broader, more inclusive celebration. Mother Teresa, the saint known for her selfless service to the poor, understood this kind of love profoundly. Her love was not confined to the affection between two individuals; it was a love that stretched to the farthest corners of the earth. She dedicated her life to loving the forgotten, the unloved, and the sick. Her actions embodied the universal love that Kapadia describes—love that transcends personal desires and reaches out to embrace all human beings.

The lesson here is clear: love is not a singular, narrow emotion. It is a vast, unifying force that connects us all. Kapadia reminds us that Valentine’s Day, while often seen through the lens of romance, is truly a day to celebrate love in every form—familial, platonic, selfless, and unconditional. It is an opportunity to recognize that love is not limited to a select few, but a universal bond that binds all human beings. In celebrating this love, we honor the connections that make us whole.

In your own life, let Valentine’s Day be a reminder to celebrate love beyond romantic relationships. Take time to express your affection for family, friends, and those in your community. Reflect on the agape love that surrounds you—whether it’s the kindness of a stranger, the support of a friend, or the dedication of a parent. Let us not be constrained by society’s narrow definitions of love, but instead, let us open our hearts to the vastness of this powerful force. By doing so, we can make Valentine’s Day—not just a day of flowers and chocolates—but a celebration of humanity, a day to honor the universal love that makes life worth living.