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State lost a brave, admired reformer

dna readers applaud Narendra Dabholkar for his spirited campaign against superstition.

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The murder of the anti-superstition crusader and rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar comes as a shock. The man had no political affiliation and worked hard for over 25 years to free people from false beliefs, rites and practices. He did face opposition and threats, but this did not weaken his resolve. Sadly, his effort to get a law passed on this matter in Maharashtra was obstructed by some sections and politicians and remained unfulfilled for over a decade. His activities were always conducted in a peaceful manner, he never targeted individuals or groups and he was supported in this cause by many like-minded people. In his death, Maharashtra has lost a revered social reformer. May he rest in peace.
—Vijay D Patil, Pune

Killing is a warning

Time and again social activists have been attacked and even killed for taking up various issues in the public interest. Narendra Dabholkar worked to free people from superstition and stop cruel practices like animal and human sacrifices. He also tried to promote a scientific temper. Earlier this year, he took on spiritual leader Asaram Bapu for wasting water in pre-Holi celebrations when large parts of Maharashtra were suffering a drought. Dabholkar met with state legislators repeatedly, to work out a law against these evils. The manner in which he was killed is appalling and a warning of terrible consequences for our society. 
—Subramaniam Ramani, Vashi

Disgusting act

I was aghast to read about the murder of Narendra Dabholkar. In this age of advancements in science and technology, this incident comes like a bolt from the blue. Nearly five decades ago, in the south Kanara region, people were beaten up and tortured in the belief that they were possessed by evil spirits, when in fact they were suffering  physiological disorders. Even today, superstition is prevalent in many part of the country. There are no words to express my disgust at this heinous crime.
—MR Pai, Mumbai

Inattentive government

The murder of Narendra Dabholkar raises some serious questions that must be answered. First, why were there no cops at the police chowky which was just a stone’s throw away from where he was attacked and killed in broad daylight? Second, if social activists like Dabholkar are working to educate people about wrong beliefs and practices, what has the home ministry done to protect them against the threats of fundamentalists, whom even the chief minister has referred to? The home minister should have provided security to the social campaigner, instead of making worthless statements after the incident. A reward of Rs10 lakh will not get back the life of a hard-working reformer.
—SG Mirajgaonkar, Pune

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