While the AISA protest, “Love in Our Times” was a series of poetry readings and discussions on the concept of love and sexuality, ABVP protesters attacked the concept of Valentines Day. A third protest by the Youth Unity for Vibrant Action (YUVA), also made a brief appearance, with slogans shouted against the overt ‘sexualisation’ and ‘politicisation’ of V Day celebrations.

“We condemn the actions of the Sri Ram Sene, but why are people implying that to be modern, a woman has to be overtly sexual?” said YUVA member Beauty Kumari Singh from Jamia. Writer Rajendra Yadav, present on the occasion, said: “Love is a rebellion against everything. Why should we carry around the burden of a 5000-year old history? Liberation of thought is important to grow.”

ABVP members, meanwhile, questioned the credentials of writer-activist Arundhati Roy, who was invited by the AISA to speak at the gathering.

“If they can insult the dignity of Indian women by politicising something that should be kept under wraps, Indian women will send them chunris to cover up,” said an activist.

DU students, meanwhile, said the protests were an important way to put forward their views. “The protest by AISA provides a platform for us to come out against injustice,” said Swati, an MA student at DU.