We the scientist, rationalists,
educators and intellectuals of the country learnt with shock and anger the
brutal and inhuman murder of Dr Narendra Dabholkar. This murder is part of the
series of attacks that have been perpetrated by anti scientific temper forces
in the country. The attacks on artists, intellectuals and rationalists, all over
the country, have increased exponentially.
Dr Dabholkar, a legendry figure
in Maharashtra had contributed significantly
to spreading scientific temper and spirit of enquiry. We strongly feel that it
is duty of every citizen in the country to unequivocally condemn his murder.
His noteworthy, untiring and courageous contribution in framing the ‘anti-superstition
and black magic bill’, that is pending before the Maharashtra Assembly speaks
volumes about his attitude towards fulfilling the constitutional duty. His
murder is an attack on the fundamentals of our constitution.
The atmosphere of intolerance and anti-science attitude is sweeping the Indian sub-continent. It is created by those vested interests, which benefit from spreading myths and superstitions. There is a deliberate plot to push our society towards fanaticism.
On March 13, 1958, Pt. Nehru, the
first Prime Minister of India placed ‘Scientific Policy Resolution’ before the Parliament
of the country and read the entire document and had hoped that science ‘has
provided new tools of thought’ which will ‘expand the mental horizon’. He had
also hoped that science will influence the basic values of life and give the
Indian civilization and new vitality and a new dynamism. The opposition had
demanded a discussion; every speaker endorsed the resolution and raised
concerns to strengthen it. The debate is a witness to the commitment that our
parliamentarians of the time had towards eradicating myths and superstitions from
our society. They had also recognized how difficult the task was.
Today we have come a long way,
instead of debating and endorsing a bill that calls for eradication of superstitions,
a person who pushes it in the assembly is killed in broad daylight. Those who
killed Dr Dabholkar are scared of who hold rationality, independent thinking,
questioning, and skepticism.
We demand:
The perpetrators of this ghastly
act should be immediately arrested, brought to the book and punished as per law
of the land.
The anti-superstition and black
magic bill should be passed immediately by Maharashtra Assembly.
A similar bill should be drafted,
discussed and passed by the parliament of the country.
- Dr. Ram Puniyani, Gauhar Raza,
Dinesh Abrol, Amitabh Pandey, Prof. IrfanHabib, Dr.Subodh Mahanti, Dr TV
Venkateswaran, Dr Surjit Singh.
20 August 2013
20 August 2013
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