India, Feb. 13 -- It's the Valentines' time of the year these days. Valentine's Day, as it is celebrated today, presents itself as a timeless festival of love. In reality, it is a carefully assembled product of literary invention, marketing strategy, and global consumer culture. What was once a quiet expression of affection has been converted into a high-pressure commercial event, where emotions are measured through spending, visibility, and compliance with trends. This transformation has not only diluted the meaning of love but has also misdirected young people into confusing consumption with connection.

At its core, the modern Valentine's Day rests on a fragile myth. The historical figures named Saint Valentine were Christian martyrs, ...