Rationalists log on to social media to wipe out superstitions

In an attempt to bust various superstitions and to counter the rise in television channels showcasing soap operas that encourage superstitions beliefs, the rationalist association in the state has decided to come up with a web series.

Modelled in form of a television serial, the web series will address various superstitious beliefs about spirits and ghosts. "Nowadays, if you watch TV, half the serials will talk about icchadhari nagin, ghosts, spirits apart from encouraging superstitious beliefs. We realised that we needed to have a series of our own to take on these humbugs that was passed on to the audience," said Dr Sujat Vali of the Humanist Rationalist Association.

The team has already put out two episodes of 20 to 30 minutes each. "One is titled Awaaz and the other is called Paakhand. The former is based on a real-life incident in Dahod where a building was said to be haunted," said Dr Vali. He said several tantriks had declared it haunted as strange noise would emanate from the building. "The rationalists finally proved that it was a hoax and the rumour was spread by someone who wanted to get the property dirt cheap. In fact, so strong were the rumours about the building that the owner himself refused to live nearby," said Dr Vali.

The web series to be showcased on youtube will have every episode dealing with a real-life incident of the presence of ghosts or some superstitious belief and how it was busted. The series will also be sent out via WhatsApp and Facebook and other social media. "So far we have over 50 such incidents," said the Dr Vali who spend Rs40,000 to produce one of the series. Incidentally, Dr Vali, a gynaecologist by profession said that he tried to promote rationalist thought even among his patients. "There are many superstitions associated with pregnant women as to what they should and shouldn't do. I have prepared a booklet of various such myths and why it is wrong which I give to my patients too," said Dr Vali.

When asked why did he not take up the matter of television serial promoting blind faith with the government, he said it was an exercise in futility as the government themselves promoted charlatans posing as godmen and god women.