With many mixed-religion couples also admitting that they face administrative and social hostility, is it apt to conclude that love is a fundamental rebellion against tradition?

Also, does Umer-Priyanka episode show that moral police is now, slowly but surely, creeping into the personal space of individuals? And importantly, can culture be defended by violence?

As Priyanka and Umer (re-christened Umesh after conversion to Hinduism) begin their new life on a rocky note, CNN-IBN show India 360 discussed these damning questions.

On the panel of the show were Priyanka and Umer; Corporate Head FICCI, Ranu Kulshreshtha and her husband Asif Iqbal; Chief of Kashmir-based women's group Dukhteran-e-Millat, Asiya Andrabi; and RSS member Ram Madhav.

A 'Couple' of Controversies

The show began with anchor Sagarika Ghose asking Umer and Priyanaka questions that everyone wants answers to. Given below is the conversation.

Ghose: Umer, you have converted to Hindusim and your name is now Umesh. Then why is Priyanka’s family not ready to accept you?

Umer/Umesh: I don’t know if they are or are not ready to accept me, but my wife has accepted me and that is what matters. The government, the law and the High Court order have shown that I have been accepted.

Ghose: Priyanaka, do you also believe that since both of you love each other it doesn’t matter as to whether you get accepted by the society or not?

Priyanka: Whether or not anyone accepts me and us doesn’t make any difference to me at all. Frankly speaking, I don’t even care about Umer being a Hindu or a Muslim. If he can convert to Hinduism for me, it’s alright.

Ghose: When you fell in love with Umer, did u think he was a Muslim?

Priyanka: No, not at all. I never even thought on those lines. Never, did such things occur to me.

Ghose: What are your thoughts on Islam?

Priyanka: Not just Islam, I will say this for all religions. Every religion teaches a common lesson that fighting in the name of God is not called for. My personal matter is being politicized in the name of religion and it's really wrong. If my inner voice takes me towards Islam, I will go. I don’t care for anybody.

Ghose: Umer/Umesh how do you feel when you see both your families not being accepting of your matrimony? Do you feel hurt?

Umer/Umesh: I do feel hurt but when we look at each other, we reaffirm our vow of staying together forever. This keeps us going. This government has told us that we can live together and that our marriage is legal. This is our biggest happiness.