Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar's aides in Karnataka to fight superstition

Hubbali: The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samithi (MANS),  founded by slain rationalist, Narendra Dabholkar, to fight superstition, black magic and so on had propelled the Maharashtra government to pass its anti-superstition law four years ago. And now its members have arrived in Karnataka to make sure the state passes an effective Anti-Superstition Act of its own in the coming winter session of the legislature in Belagavi.

The activists have met Siddalinga Swamiji of Gadag Tontadarya Mutt, who is against the Made Snana ritual, that has devotees rolling on leftovers on plantain leaves, to get his suggestions for the new law. They also plan to hold an awareness campaign about the new law in the offing that has been drafted on the lines of Maharashtra’s law by touring the state from November 1 to 15.  

“We have already held a first round discussion with like-minded people in Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag and Kalaburgi districts and have held meetings with the officials concerned in Bengaluru.  We also plan to  exert pressure on the government through a letter campaign  to ensure that the Act is effective in eradicating superstitious practices,” said MANS executive president, Avinash Patil. The state secretary of the organisation’s legal cell and advocate, Manisha Mahajan notes that women are often victims of superstitions in both families and society. “Even qualified women often indulge in such acts of  blind belief,” she regretted, adding that the support an Anti-superstitions Act had increased after the killing of research scholar, M M Kalburgi in the state.