5-day anti-superstition workshop in Mangalore

Call it coincidence or the beginning of a revolution, but Mangalore has taken its first step towards wiping out superstitions and the evils perpetrated by godmen and their henchmen in the name of spirituality.

The Federation of Indian Rationalists’ Association (FIRA) organised a series of workshops on the theme “Development of scientific temper and demystification of miracles”, which began in Mangalore on Monday. About 50 youth had gathered to participate in the five day workshop.

Coincidentally, state minister TB Jayachandra announced a state programme to put down superstitions and other social evils on Monday.

“It comes as a surprise to me, as no statement had ever emerged from a home minister about putting down superstitions and other evils, in my 30-year career as a rationalist. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NSCTC) has also been supporting the cause of spreading the spirit of scientific inquiry and temper, which we are taking to the youth,” said Prof Narendra Nayak, the president FIRA and the main resource person for the Southern states campaign of the NSCTC.

“Maharashtra took 12 years to pass this legislation, and at an enormous cost of the life of Narendra Dabholkar. I hope Karnataka will not allow that eventuality on its soil, and will be quick in making superstitions and miracles an illegal act,” said Nayak.

According to the NSCTC mandate, the spirit of scientific inquiry as enshrined in the constitution of India in article 51A(h) has to be skillfully honed by every citizen and as a emancipation from superstitions, social evils and exploitation.

FIRA and its associates in Maharashtra –Andh Shraddha Nirmoolan Samithi, Goa Science Forum and others in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh were organising the NSCTC workshops, Nayak said.  “We have targeted the youth, as they were open to scientific inquiry particularly in urban areas,” said President of the Goa science Forum RG Rao.