Tag Archives: Maharashtra Andhashradha Nirmulan Samity

Culture, Debates, Movements, Religion, Theory

Challenges before Rationalist Movement in India

Leave a comment

20 th August 2026
It was on this day – 13 years back – that Dr Narendra Dabholkar , a leading light of the rationalist movement who was engaged in fighting superstition and black magic through the organisation he led called ‘ Andhashradha Nirmulan Samity ’ (Committee for the Eradication of Superstition https://antisuperstition.org/) was assassinated on the streets of Pune. (https://kafila.online/2013/08/21/assassination-of-an-activist-who-killed-dr-narendra-dabholkar/)

Contrary to the expectations of his killers – part of the rightwing fanatic movement in the country who had hatched a conspiracy to eliminate him – the mission he initiated, the work he led continues unabated. Thousands of new activists have joined the movement.

Here focus of the discussion is on ‘ Challenges before Rationalist Movement in the Country ‘

Bad ideas, Culture, Debates, Government, Law, Politics, Religion

Time for Akhara ‘certified’ Babas?

2 Comments

For a law against Superstition at the National Level

miraculous-powers

( Image Courtesy : http://antisuperstition.org/faith-in-time-of-rationality/)

These are really ‘bure din‘ for the spiritual gurus of India.

While the likes of Ram Rahim, Asaram Bapus and Rampal are cooling their heels behind bars for their not so spiritual acts, Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale who is also known as “Ichadaari Baba” among his followers has also joined them for running a high profile sex racket.

It was unprecedented in recent history that Odisha had witnessed mass movements targeting many such Babas/spiritual gurus which had compelled the state government to arrest few of them. In fact the judiciary had also expressed grave concern over such Babas masquerading as spiritual leaders, robbing innocent followers of money and leading a “licentious life”.(https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160528/jsp/odisha/story_88018.jsp) Continue reading Time for Akhara ‘certified’ Babas? →