MALAPPURAM: In an effort to eliminate superstitions in society and in protest against the intervention of religion in politics, Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) will launch a state-level drive against casteism, religious fundamentalism, superstitions and social evils.
The district-level committees of the Parishad across the state will organise awareness classes and campaigns in schools and colleges, as a part of the new initiative.
According to KSSP Malappuram district secretary K Vijayan, the district committee here will organise a seminar on ‘Astronomy and Astrology’ and ‘Science and Scientific Awareness’ at
Perinthalmanna on November 7. In the wake of increasing reports of the incidents related to irrational beliefs of the people in the state, it is an attempt of the Parishad to save the new generation from the ill-effects of religious fundamentalism and superstitions.“The organisation aims to liberate at least youngsters from irrational thinking in the name of religious beliefs, by creating proper awareness on science,” Vijayan said, adding that KSSP has decided to start campaign among college students through the ‘Campus Sastra Samithis’.
“We are not trying to impose an ideology on the new generation, but it is our responsibility towards a secular society,” he said.
It is learnt that KSSP is also planning a campaign against the intervention of religious leaders in politics in view of some recent incidents in the state, including the attack on the Newman College lecturer.“Religion is a personal affair and it should not have anything to do with public matters including politics. But now, some people are exploiting religion to reap political harvest.
“Most of the politicians routinely visit religious places to seek divine blessings, but they should not lead the whole society to superstitious beliefs and customs,” Vijayan said.The Parishad is planning to organise seminars, workshops and youth camps to promote peace and understanding among religious and secular communities