In the wake of the murder of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar in Pune recently, rationalists from across the country, who were in Bangalore for a workshop, pressed for a similar anti-superstition law in the state.
The Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat (KRVP), in association with the Government of India, has been organising the advanced workshop for rationalists since August 19. Three members from Dr Dabholkar’s Maharashtra Andha Shriddha Nirmoolana Samithi were also present. Renowned rationalist of the state, Prof Narendra Nayak, said the KRVP will conduct a two-day workshop from Saturday on ‘demystification miracles’ and also on the development of a science centre in memory of Dr Narendra Dabholkar. He said the police still cannot act against violent superstitions without any special ordinance. “We did succeed in bringing awareness about a superstition called Bhanamati. Though we could not eradicate the system, routine kidnappings and killings in the name of Bhanamati came down and police were also tipped off about such incidents by the public,” said Prof Narendra, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, KMC Mangalore.
Prof Narendra, who had conducted more than 2,000 demonstrations, said that the state needs a similar ordinance. Participants of the workshop held a protest near BDA complex at Banashankari on Tuesday evening. They also condemned the killing and demanded immediate action against the culprits.