Science Centre, Port Blair to Organize Summer Camp-2013 for Students

The Science Centre, located at Goodwill Estate, Corbyn’s Cove Road, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is organizing “Holiday Camp” for the benefit of students from 1st May to 30th May 2013. Students can have practical experience on trades like Ship Building from May 02 to 06, Fun Mathematics / Fiber Glass Modeling from May 07 to 10, Aero modeling from May 13 to 16, Model Rocketry from May 17 to 23, Creative Science /Science versus Miracles from May 24 to 28, 2013.

The camp has ear marked five days for each subject during which the subject will be dealt in details with hands on experiments. Classes shall be conducted from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Prof Narendra Nayak, former Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Managalore, Karnataka, and President, Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations, will be giving training on the subject Science versus Miracles from May 24 to 28, 2013.

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A Survey on International Atheist Community

Dr. Tom Arcaro, Professor of Sociology, Elon University, US and his team are conducting an online survey on international community of atheists.  It is an exercise in understanding the community of non-believers the world over. Though it is designed to be an international survey, so far it has elicited responses mostly from US and Canada. 

Since we think it worthwhile to participate in this exercise to understand ourselves, we reproduce the letter from Prof Arcaro.

Atheist friends and colleagues,

 

I write to ask your assistance on getting the word out about a survey designed to help us better understand the world of atheists.

 

I am a sociologist at Elon University and have been researching atheists and atheism for the last five years. I have amassed a team here at Elon to support me in doing this research, and we will all be quite honored to make a modest contribution to the cause of atheism. Our main goal is to serve the atheist community.

 

What do we know about the make-up of the atheist community both here in the United States and around the world? What are the perceptions of atheists about the state of atheism-related organizations and what these entities can or should do for them? What are the perceptions of atheists about believers? What types of atheists are there? How does being an atheist impact how one navigates in the social world? What is the demographic makeup of the atheist community both in the United States and around the world? What similarities and differences are there among atheists of different genders, ages, and geographical locations?

 

Though one can find answers to these questions in various books, articles, blogs and forums, having a robust, fresh set of survey data can serve to deepen, clarify, and expand on what we already know -or assume we know- about the world of atheists. The intent of this survey is to generate such a data set and thus assist atheist-oriented organizations better to understand and serve the atheist community. All relevant data (and analysis thereof) will be made available to the leadership of appropriate atheist- oriented organizations.

 

Getting the word out about this survey is critical so that we may hear the voices of as many atheists as is possible and, ultimately, work together to make ours a world where atheists are both understood and represented.

 

The url for the survey is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HDJ5C6L. I have also set up a web site for the survey at www.servingatheists.org that will serve as a place people can go for updates, preliminary reports on the data, and also to offer comments.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

Dr. Tom Arcaro

Professor of Sociology

Elon University

Elon, NC 27244

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In Memory of Dr Paul Kurtz

Dr Paul Kurtz (December 21, 1925 Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A – October 20, 2012) was a prominent American skeptic and secular humanist. He has been called "the father of secular humanism". He was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, US.

Kurtz founded the publishing house Prometheus Books in 1969. He was also the founder and past chairman of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (formerly the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)), the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Center for Inquiry.

Kurtz published over 800 articles or reviews and authored and edited over 50 books. Many of his books have been translated into over 60 languages, including Indian languages. They include The Transcendental Temptation, Forbidden Fruit: The Ethics of Secularism, The Courage to Become, and Multi-Secularism: A New Agenda.

In memory of this great humanist, Rationalist Forum, Chennai is organizing a condolence meet on November 5, 2012 at 6 PM at Annai-EVR-Maniammai Manram, Periyar Thidal, Vepery, Chennai- 600007.

Paul Kurtz, Father of Secular Humanism, dies aged 86

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Atheist Centre to Celebrate Birth Centenary of Saraswathi Gora

We reproduce a communication received from Atheist Centre, Vijayawada which is celebrating the Birth Centenary of Saraswathi Gora on September 28 - 29, 2012.

Saraswathi Gora Centenary International Conference

Atheist Centre is celebrating Saraswathi Gora’s Birth Centenary by organizing an international conference on the theme, ‘Be Bold Be Human: March towards Equality’, at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA on September 28-29 (Friday & Saturday), 2012.

Saraswathi Gora (1912-2006) was a freedom fighter, eminent Gandhian, social reformer, veteran atheist and co-founder of Atheist Centre. To mark her 100th Birth Anniversary, Atheist Centre is organizing an international conference on September 28-29, 2012.

Saraswathi Gora was born on September 28, 1912 at Vijayanagaram, Andhra Pradesh. She was married to Gora in 1922, as per the tradition of those days. She joined Gora in 1927 and since then they were inseparable couple, as exponents of atheism. She was active in the Nationalist Movement and participated in the Quit India Struggle and suffered imprisonment. She was an associate of Gandhi and visited Sevagram Ashram.

Saraswathi Gora and Gora, founded the world's first known Atheist Centre in 1940 and promoted atheism as a positive way of life and strove for a post-religious society.

Saraswathi Gora was honoured with Jamnalal Bajaj Award, Janakidevi Bajaj Award, G.D. Birla International Award for promotion of humanism and Karnataka Government's the very first Basava National Award for promotion of castelessness. In 2002, the Government of India released a commemorative postage stamp on Gora, who promoted atheism as a positive way of life. Most likely, Saraswathi Gora's postage stamp will also be released in 2012, as an atheist woman social reformer.

Ms. Sonja Eggerickx, President, International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), will inaugurate the Conference. Dr. Volker Mueller, Chairman, German Freethinkers Association, Mr. Jim Herrick, British Humanist and former Editor of the Humanist, London, UK, Dr. K. Veeramani, President, Dravida Kazhagam, Mrs. Radha Bhatt, Chairperson, Gandhi Peace Foundation and many other atheists, humanists, rationalists, skeptics, freethinkers, social change workers, eminent Gandhians, former vice chancellors and like-minded people from India and abroad will participate and speak in this International Conference.

The Conference is a great opportunity to share notes on social justice, gender equality, human rights, women empowerment, upliftment of the marginalized communities, building a post-religious society, secularism, atheism & humanism as a life stance etc.

We are happy to share that we will be having representatives from the IHEU, German Freethinkers Association, British Humanist Association, Federation of Indian Atheist and Rationalist Associations (FIRA), Dravidar Kazhagam and many other organizations and individuals from across India and the world. We welcome you all to come and participate in this important event.

- Convenors of the Conference

THE VENUE:

Vijayawada is situated on the southern banks of River Krishna with Eastern Ghats (hills) on its northern bank, in the Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. The city has a population of 1,048,240 (2011 census).

Vijayawada is the commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh. The city is politically active, sociologically dominant, agriculturally rich and industrial transportation hub. It is well connected by road, air and rail and has the second biggest railway junction in India.

The venue of the conference is: Siddhartha Auditorium. It is located less than 5 kilometer by auto rickshaw/taxi from Vijayawada Railway Station and 20 kilometers from the Vijayawada Airport. It is one kilometer from Atheist Centre. The venue is marked in blue and Atheist Centre in green, on the map below.

Venue Address

Siddhartha Auditorium

Siddhartha College of Arts & Science 

Siddhartha Nagar Vijayawada 520010

Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

The Conference registration fee is Rs. 400 for Indians and USD 150 for foreigners. The fee may be remitted through a Crossed Demand Draft. Address of contact is provided at the end of this invite. Cash payment on arrival, at the registration desk is also possible.

The fee would cover food and humble accommodation. However due to rush and limited accommodation, kindly send your request at the earliest.

DR. G. VIJAYAM

Honorary Executive Director

Atheist Centre, Benz Circle, 

Vijayawada 520010, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Email: positiveatheist@gmail.com

Web: www.atheistcentre.in

Mob: +91 9848458220; Off: +91 866 2472330

(For related news please click here: 

http://www.carvaka4india.com/2011/06/atheist-centre-celebrates-saraswathi.html)

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Federation of Karnataka State Rationalist Associations: First State Conference

We reproduce below a communication received from Karnataka Rajya Vicharavadi Okkootta (Federation of Karnataka State Rationalist Associations):

Federation of Karnatka State Rationalist Associations (Karnataka Rajya Vicharavadi Okkootta) is organizing the 1st state level rationalist conference at SHRAVANABELOGOLA on 18th & 19th of May 2012.

As you are aware, a get-together of more than 100 rationalist and humanist activists and sympathizers was held on March 14, 2010 in Bangalore. It was decided at the meeting to form a Federation of rationalist and humanist groups active in various districts of Karnataka in order to coordinate the activities of these groups at the state level. Subsequently, during the last two years, our activists visited about 22 districts of the state and held meetings with various groups and individuals. Those districts which we could not cover, we got in touch with activists over telephone.

To keep up the momentum generated through these contacts, to consolidate the gains and to build up the organization further, it has been decided to organize the first state conference of the Federation at Shravanebelogola on 18th & 19th of May 2012. In order to make the conference a grand success, we request your participation.

VENUE:

MANJUNATHA KALYANA MANTAPA (Near Bus Stand)

SHRAVANABELOGOLA,

Hassan District

Delegate Fee: Rs: 200/- only

(Towards accommodation, on 18th night. lunch, tea, & dinner & breakfast &lunch on 18th &19th respectively)

Delegates can sent the delegate fee of Rs.200/- by ECS transfer to

Srinivas Natekar
SB A/c No. 007201016498

Corporation Bank, Shravanabelogola

IFSC Code: CORP0000072

For Programme Details, the delegates may contact any of the following persons

1. B.V.V. Subbarao (Bangalore) - Mobile:  9886679088;   Land Line: 080 -41476288 
2. Srinivas Natekar (Shravanabelogola)  -  Mobile: 9844614676;  Land Line: 08176-257875
3. Dr.H.R.Swamy (Hassan) -   Mobile: 776004088

                                         Email: vicharavadi@gmail.com

Greetings:

I welcome the Karnataka conference and this is timely. We need to inculcate scientific attitude among students and youth which will take society in to future development. Today the reactionary forces gained upper hand and set the rational cloack backwards. The child abuse of inculcating religion to the kids from childhood onward should be stopped.

Innaiah Narisetti

USA

Wed, May 9, 2012 at 3:42 PM

***

Thanks for the invitation.

I am happy to know about the conference and I wish the conference all success.We are also celebrating the national conference at Hyderabad on 9th and 10th June 2012.I am forwarding the message to our friends.

With regards

Gumma Veeranna

President

A.P.Rationalist Association

Wed, May 9, 2012 at 3:59 PM

***

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8th FIRA National Conferance - A Report

V Kumaresan


VIII National Conference of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) was held at Nagpur, Maharashtra on 11th  and 12th  February 2012. FIRA constitutes 83 Rationalist Associations from different states of the country. 

The  Conference was held at Hindi Bhawan Ram Gopal Maheswari Subagraha, Rani Jhansi Square, Sitabuldi, Nagpur. The Conference was hosted by Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samithi (ABANS), an affiliate of FIRA along with the Association for Research and Training in Basic Science Education, Nagpur.

First Day Proceedings 

Inauguration 

Registration of Delegates

The Conference was inaugurated by Dr. Vilas Sapkal, Vice-Chancellor, Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj University, Nagpur. He emphasised that the development of scientific temper which is mentioned as one of the fundamental duties of Indian Constitution in Article 51 (a) h, has to be propagated among the masses. Once the scientific temper develops the superstition would automatically vanish . Prof. Sharad Patil, President, Gaikwad-Patil Group of Institutions, Nagpur delivered the  Presidential address. While addressing, he pointed out that rationalist movement must take up propaganda primarily against the self styled god-men, devils, tantriks, sorcerers, astrologers and such others who befool and exploit the gullible public.  These unscrupulous elements, for their own selfish gains, encourage the common man’s belief in irrational superstitions such as fate, astrology, rebirth, ghosts, sorcery, witchcraft, miracles, magic, charms, spells, dubious  curse etc.

The theme of the conference, ‘The Rise of Intolerance in India’ was explained by Prof. Narendra Nayak, National President, FIRA. Introductory speech was delivered by Harish Deshmukh, National Secretary,   Umesh Choubey, National  Working President – ABANS welcomed and the inaugural session was concluded with  the vote of thanks by Dr.N.D.Patil.

Dr Vilas Sapkal, Vice Chancellor, Rastrasant
Tukdoji Maharaj University, inaugurating the 8th National Conference
of FIRA held in Nagpur by cutting a string of 7 chillies & a lemon,
a charm commonly used by the Hindus to ward-off evil

Prof. Shyam Manav, Founder and Organiser ABANS delivered a special lecture on ‘Role of Rationalism in Development of Country and Humanism.’ The Biennial Reports of FIRA affiliate member organizations were presented by the respective functionaries. The brief  of various propaganda activities including conducting seminar, workshop, publication of rationalist literature were explained by the functionaries. The session proceedings took place in the presence of the National Executive Committee  Members. Madhukar Kample, National President, ABANS, chaired the session.

After lunch, technical sessions  started. U.Kalanathan, Patron, FIRA and President, Kerala Yukthivathi Sangham presented a paper on ‘Secularisation of India.’ He strongly advocated the initiative of separating politics from religion which will facilitate the sustenance of real secularism in the country. superstition  breaking and miracle exposure demonstrations

In the evening superstition  breaking and miracle exposure demonstrations were conducted out by the volunteers of rationalist movement. Walking over thorny platform was demonstrated, exhibiting nothing divine in it except  familiarity and frequent  practices to do it.

Delegates at the Conference

After dinner, an interactive session was addressed by Babu Gogineni, International Director, International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). He discussed  the probable problems and challengers that EVERY rationalist organization might have to face in the prevailing environment and how to function under such circumstances effectively.

Second Day Proceedings  

Miracle Exposure Public Rally

Miracle Exposure Rally - Exposing the 'miracle' of eating burning camphor

At first, miracle exposure public rally was organised where all the delegates representing various rationalist organisations took part. Pulling the Ambassador car by the volunteers, by needle stitched string on their back, demonstrations exposing the deeds of black magic, sorcery – were the phases  of the procession. The procession captured the attention of the public at large.

Session: The Rise of Intolerance in India

G Vijayam presenting his paper. Sitting from the right: V Kumaresan,,
Ramachandra CST Voltaire, Dhaneswar Sahoo

Again the proceedings were started in the auditorium. The technical session ,’ The Rise of Intolerance in India’ was chaired by V.Kumaresan, General Secretary, The Rationalists’  Forum, Tamil Nadu. ( Please see the  excerpts  of the speech in page no 27 to 29) The functionaries of other rationalist organisations viz. Prof. Dhaneshwar Sahoo of Orissa Rationalist Association, Dr.G.Vijayam of Atheist Centre, Vijayawada, Prof. Balwinder Singh Barnala of Turksheel Society, Punjab,  Jayagopal of Atheist Society of India, Visakapatnam, Dr. Anand of Science for Society, Jharkhand, T.V.Manoj of Bangalore Rationalist Association, Ramachandra C.S.T. Voltaire of AMOFOI, Bhubaneswar presented their papers on the rise of intolerance.

Panel Session : Modern Spiritual Godman’s Industry

The Panel Session on “Modern Spiritual Godman’s Industry”  chaired by R.G.Rao a.k.a. Somu,  National Secretary, FIRA.  V.Nehru, President of the Rationalists’ Forum, Tamil Nadu  presented his paper. While addressing, he reminded all the charges leveled against Sai Baba by the rationalists got exposed after his death. More valuables both in kind and cash were recovered from his private room. In Tamil Nadu, Sankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt , the first accused in the murder of the temple manager  which is under the judicial proceedings  is freely wandering under religious clout. Dr.K.Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam   two decades back exposed by delivereing serial lectures on ‘Who is Sankaracharya?’  After the arrest of Sankaracharya, again he delivered through series of   lectures, ‘ Divine Deeds ! ’. The earlier exposure became a reality now. What rationalists exposed earlier becomes known to the  public explicitly at present.

Resolutions :

To conclude the conference the resolutions were passed on the following lines to strengthen the activities of FIRA.

- to conduct marches towards Parliament for separating politics from religion.

- to form an exclusive Law Commission to enable  insertion of provisions and enactment to adhere the secular value of the state machinery.

- to facilitate the enactment against superstitious belief, black magic, sorcery, etc.

- to conduct training programmes especially for youth on eradication of superstitions.

New National Executive Committee – FIRA

The following functionaries were elected for the National Executive Committee.

Patron: Dr.G.Vijayam, Atheist Centre, Vijayawada.

National President: Prof. Narendra Nayak, Dhakshina Kannada Rationalist Association.

Vice-Presidents:V.Kumaresan, The Rationalists’ Forum, Tamil Nadu, Prof. Balwinder Singh Barnala, Turksheel Society, Punjab, Harish Deshmukh, Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, Nagpur, Prof. Dhaneswar Sahoo, Orissa Rationalists Association Bhubaneswar, Kranti, Maharashtra Andolan Nirmoolan Samithi, Pune,Sukumaran, Kerala Yukthivathi Sangham, Thiruvananthapuam

National Secretary: U.Kalanathan, Kerala Yukthivathi Sangham

Publishers of rationalist literature had their presence at the conference

Secretaries: South Zone: V.Nehru, The Rationalists’ Forum ,Tamil Nadu, North Zone: Binder , Turksheel Society, Punjab, East Zone: Samba Siva Rao, Manava Vikasa Vedika , Andhra Pradesh,West Zone: Anil Kumar, Kerala Yukthivathi sangham

Treasurer: R.G.Rao a.k.a. Somu, Goa Science Forum, Panjim Goa

(Courtesy: The Modern Rationalist, March 2012)

(V Kumaresan, Rationalist Forum, Tamil Nadu, 
is one of the Vice-Presidents of FIRA) 

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Premanand Memorial Lecture

The 3rd Premanand Memorial Lecture organized by Science Trust, Kozhikode, Kerala will be held on January 22, 2012 at Nalanda Auditorium, Kozhikode. We give below the programme schedule mailed to us by Sajit C, an office bearer of the Trust.

The 5^th Anniversary of Science Trust & the 3^rdPremanand Memorial Lecture

On Sunday, the 22^nd January 2012  at Nalanda Auditorium,  Calicut

Schedule

9 am: Registration

10 am: Study Class

Topic: Pseudo Science, Quackery, Rationalism

Conducted by

Prof. Narendra Nayak, Dr Viswanathan C & Dr. Shibukumar T M

1 pm to 2 pm: Meal time

2 pm: Open Forum

4 pm: Valedictory Session

Inauguration: Dr. B. Iqbal

Premanand Memorial Lecture

Anand

Renowned Malayalam Writer

Subject

Ariyunna Kadhakalum Ariyaatha Kadhakalum 

(Stories we know and Stories we know not)

Followed by speeches by Kureepuzha Sreekumar  & Prof. Ravichandran C.

6.30 pm: Video Show

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Premanand Memorial Award

Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), an apex body of more than 75 rationalist, skeptic, secularist organizations in India, has instituted an award in memory of its founder-convener, B Premanand.

This award will be given to people who have given valuable contribution towards secularism, scientific temper, skepticism, rational inquiry etc in India.

For this year’s award, the application should reach the federation by January 20, 2012. Any further information on this can be had from KG Rao (Somu), National Secretary, FIRA (Email: rgrao123@gmail.com Mobile: 09822182466)

Application can be downloaded here

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Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) - 8th National Conference

The 8^th National Conference of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) will be held at Nagpur, Maharashtra, on 11^th and 12^th February 2012.

FIRA, an apex body of more than 75 rationalist, atheist, skeptic, secularist and science organisations in India., is committed to the development of scientific temper and humanism in India.. The Federation is affiliated to International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).

The conference will be hosted by Akhil Bharatiya Andhshraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS), one of the founding members of FIRA.

“The two day FIRA National Conference will be the convergence of all Rationalists from almost all States of the Country. This will be a unique opportunity to listen and gain knowledge from the discussions and deliberations carried out by the Functionaries of the Affiliate Organisations”, says the organizers.

We reproduce below the brochure brought out by ABANS giving details of the conference: 

AKHIL BHARATIYA ANDHASHRADDHA NIRMOOLAN SAMITI

Naya Khoon, Cotton Market, Nagpur 440018

PH: 272653-Off. PH: 2749083-Res, m: 9970169083

email: harish_deshmukh52@yahoo.com or avinashsovani@yahoo.co.in

Proud & Privileged Host Of 8th National Conference

FEDERATION OF INDIAN RATIONALIST ASSOCIATIONS (FIRA)

AT

Mor Hindi Bhawan, Ramgopal Maheshwari Sabhagruha,

 Rani Jhansi Square,

Sitabardi,

Nagpur - 440001

on

Saturday AND Sunday 11th AND 12th February 2012

The Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, Nagpur, founded by Prof. Shyam Manav (National Organiser), is a humanistic organisation registered way back in 1986 and working for eradication of blind belief since the year 1982 and because of its numerous exposures in the early days the city of Nagpur has earned the nick name of “POLKHOL CITY”. This Samiti is a founder member of Federation of Indian Rationalists Associations (FIRA). The two day FIRA National Conference will be the convergence of all Rationalists from almost all States of the Country. This will be a unique opportunity to listen and gain knowledge from the discussions and deliberations carried out by the Functionaries of the Affiliate Organisations. It is proposed to bring out a Souvenir on this occasion containing Articles of Rationalists, Humanists both in- land and foreign which will surely remain as a Treasure for all Rationalist Thinkers and Activists attending the Conference. WE INVITE YOU FOR THE TWO DAY CONFERENCE. PLEASE ENROLL YOUR SELF AND OTHER ACTIVISTS OF YOUR ORGANISATION AS DELGATES IN LARGE NUMBERS.

With Regards

Madhukar Kamble, President

 Umesh Choubey, Working President

 Harish Deshmukh, General Secretary

Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti

Narendra  Nayak, President, FIRA (+919448216343)

RG Rao Secretary, FIRA (+919822182466)

Delegate fee is Rs. 200 per delegate which includes food and accommodation charges. Activists desirous of attending conference may send advance intimation by mail/email.

 

INFORMATION TO DELEGATES

The conference proceedings shall take place at Ramgopal Maheshwari Sabhagruha, Mor Hindi Bhawan, Rani Jhansi Chowk, Sitabuldi Nagpur. 1. Arrangement for your stay has been made at 4 / 6 bedded dormitories at Century Hotel, Ghat Road, Cotton Market, Nagpur 440018. Fax No. 0712-2737900. Phone No. 0712–2729258, 0712-2725248.

2. Food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on 11th and 12th February is arranged at Rashtrabhasha Bhawan, North Ambazari Road, Nagpur 440010, which is at a walking distance (10 – 15 minutes) form the Conference venue.

3. Registration of delegates shall start at 8.00 am on 11th February at Conference venue.

4. Separate accommodation, if desired, can be arranged on payment by the delegate at following rates: Rs.200 for single bedded room and Rs. 250 for double bedded room.

5. In case of any emergency / problem you may contact anyone of the following:

Harish Deshmukh: 09970169083 Pravin Gangurde 09890631933 T Chandran 09403589748 Dilip Sawarkar 09370992393 Avinash Sovani 09822562709 Prashant Sapate 09422122080 Sudhir Wase 09422105746 Dr Pradeep /Patil 09225221647

This is the first time that the Rationalist Fraternity from all the States of India will be meeting at Nagpur, the land of Akhil Bharatiya Andhshraddha Nirmoolan Samiti. The Samiti shall be working tirelessly so that you shall have a pleasant stay and meaningful interaction during the entire Conference period.

NOTE: The delegates are expected to reach Nagpur on 10th evening or 11th  early morning. From the main Railway station auto rikshaws are available @ Rs. 30 per auto from the eastern (Santra Market) side and @ Rs. 40 per auto from western (Sitabuldi) side to Century Hotel. Tea and meals for 10th February shall have to be arranged by the delegates themselves.

With Regards

Harish Deshmukh,  National General Secretary,

Email: h.pathode@rediffmail.com,

pravingangurde12@gmail.com,

harish_deshmukh52@yahoo.com

AKHIL BHARATIYA ANDHASHRADDHA NIRMOOLAN SAMITI

Proud & Privileged Host Of

 8TH FIRA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Saturday And Sunday 11th  And 12th February 2012 At NAGPUR

DELEGATE INFORMATION FORM

NOTE: Please send this form as soon as you have made your travel plans. It is preferable, but not necessary, to send your delegate fee with this form

Name of the delegate : __________________________________________________________________

Age : _____

Gender : Male/Female

Spouse/accompanying persons :  _________________________________________________________

Date of Arrival, Train Number & Name (at Nagpur Railway Station) :

Whether delegate fee remitted : Yes/No

Date of Departure, Train Number and Name:

Address of delegate & contact No. : ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

 Signature of Delegate

TO BE SENT TO:

Harish Deshmukh General Secretary AB ANdhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, L-7/25, Raghuji Nagar, NAGPUR440009

NOTE: The 8th National conference of Federation of Indian Rationalists Associations shall start at Nagpur on 11th February 2011. The delegates are expected to reach Nagpur on 10th evening or 11th early morning. From the main Railway Station auto rikshaws are available @ Rs. 30 per auto from the eastern (Santra Market) side and @ Rs. 40 per auto from the western (Sitabuldi) side to Century Hotel where stay for delegates is arranged. Tea and meals for 10th February shall have to be arranged by the delegates themselves.

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Meeting of Freethinkers in Kerala

Here is a mail we have received from the organizers of a Freethinkers' Meet to be held in Kerala.

Friends,

Science trust-Calicut and Yukthiyugam magazine ( to commence publication shortly) invite all interested friends to attend a meet at Thrissur, Kerala on 20th November. For details, please see the attached brochure.

Science trust, Calicut

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Lectures in Memory of Dr. Debiprasad Chattopadyaya

We reproduce a mail received from Nava Karnataka Publications, Bangalore:

ಪ್ರಿಯರೆ,

ಭಾನುವಾರ, 2011ರ ನವಂಬರ್  13ರ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ 10  ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಚಾಮರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣರಾಜ ಪರಿಷನ್ಮಂದಿರದಲ್ಲಿ  2  ಕೃತಿಗಳು ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆಯಾಗಲಿವೆ .  ಅದೇ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ. ದೇವಿಪ್ರಸಾದ್ ಚಟ್ಟೋಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಉಪನ್ಯಾಸಗಳನ್ನೂ  ಏರ್ಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ.

ಆಮಂತ್ರಣ ಪತ್ರ ಲಗತ್ತಿಸಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಗೆಳೆಯರಿಗೂ ಕಳಿಸಿ ಅವರನ್ನೂ ಕರೆತನ್ನಿ.

ವಂದನೆಗಳು.
ಆರ್. ಎಸ್. ರಾಜಾರಾಮ್

Dear Friends,

You are cordially invited for the function arranged  on Sunday 13th November 2011 at 10 a.m. at Shri Krishnaraja Parishanmandira, Chamarajpet, Bangalore in connection with the launch of two books and the lectures in memory of Dr. Debiprasad Chattopadyaya.

The invite is attached. Please forward it to your friends and request them also to attend.

Regards,
R.S. Rajaram

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