WHEN REASON IS KILLED BY BIGOTRY : INDIAN RATIONALIST IS GUNNED DOWN IN PUNE, INDIA

 

For people who are interested in the truth, in the rational aspect of life, and existence, the mere thought of a mind enslaved by bigotry is an unthinkable tragedy. 

Some people take it upon themselves to try to stop the more deleterious effects of bigotry and superstition, by trying to bring rationality into people's lives, by showing them how their actions, dictated by obscure and primitive beliefs, can hurt others and often even themselves. 

One such person, an avowed rationalist, who had become a polarizing figure in India paid a heavy price for bringing reason and truth to those who do not want to see their superstitious beliefs challenged, or even spoken about. 

In Pune, India, Narendra Dabholkar, a doctor who had often been admonished for this anti-religious stance, was gunned down as he took his morning walk.  

Dabholkar had been on a mission for many decades, and even founded an organization, called Maharashtra Andhasraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, which translates to 'the Committee for the Eradication of Blind Faith', which had as its central mission not to eliminate religions, but to change with reason and scientific knowledge, the most damaging and dangerous superstitions held by so many people. 

He promoted scientific thought and logic, and had tried for years to convince the Parliament to enact legislation that would ban dangerous superstitions and black magic.  

The Indian Constitution allows for freedom of religion, and that was Dabholkar's defence when he was repeatedly attacked for his activism.  His actions, he contended, would not and did not aim to destroy religion: they just promised to better the lives of those who were enslaved by their superstitious thoughts.  He was also promoting legislation that would curb the exploitation of superstition, the practice by many 'gurus' and 'holy man', to extort money to 'cure' or bring 'good fortune' to the believers of such arcane notions. 

Dabhlokar also campaigned against animal sacrifices and other fraudulent practices. 

But many of India's gurus and other 'saintly' figures ply a lucrative trade in perpetrating these cerimonies and supporting the belief of superstition, often at great expense for the believers. 

One can only hope then, that his death was not in vain, and that someone else will take up his cause.  Without the help of people like Dabholkar, the secular, tolerant and wonderful country that India is, will forever be marred by medieval beliefs and cruel exploitations.

Partial Source : France 24/ 8.20.13