Members and activists of the Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) have demanded a common anti-superstition law applicable to the entire country, in the backdrop of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar’s murder.
The demand was put forth during a condolence meeting held for Dabholkar here on Sunday. Condemning the murder that happened a couple of weeks ago, the TNSF pointed out that the Maharashtra Government had enacted an anti-superstition law after the demise of Dabholkar.
“But bringing in and implementing such a law is not an easy task in any of the States. We should train lawyers, policemen and public in that particular law,” said professor Ramanujam of the Institute of Mathematical Science. He stressed that it was the duty of the science forums to free society and the people from superstitions and godmen. “Many people in TN believe that the first breast milk of a mother is not good for the infant. Science forums should begin their fight against superstitions from such small things,” he said.
Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary, State Platform for Common School System said, “The very first step in fighting superstitions should start from our schools. An order of the government last year converting ‘morning assembly’ into ‘morning prayer’ goes against the Constitution of India which provides for religious freedom to all.” He also said that schools must promote the concept of scientific temper among students, since it has been made a fundamental duty of every citizens under Article 51-A(h). “In an era of fighting for our own identity, every act that beguiles and exploits the people should be considered as superstition,” said professor Kalpana of IIT-Madras.
