I would
like to share my views, experience and feelings with every one of
you on this occassion. The Objective of Federation of Indian Rationalist
Associations is to build up a prosperous society. For this we want to
bring out necessary reforms in society. We feel we are above caste,
creed, religion, colour, gender, region and nation. That is why we declare
ourselves to be humanists. We are happy to declare ourselves to be the
followers of Buddha, a great social and religious reformer, Mahatma
Gandhiji, a noble political reformer, Mahatma Pule, M.N. Roy, A.T. Kovoor,
Gora and such others. But, is it enough to consider ourselves to be
the followers? No, we have to introspect ourselves what are we doing
to forward their vision? Reformation is a continuous process and we
should play a key role in the reformation. The question is who would
define and decide what one’s role is? Our basic role is to enlighten
and help others to think and behave in a rational manner, because irrationality
is the root cause for all social evils. A person being rational or irrational
depends on what one knows, thinks, feels and how he acts. Our duty is
to influence people to think and act rationally. The question is how
to influence others? We can not expect a common man to read the publications
of rationalists or to listen to rationalists and get enlightened. Some
people attract others in the name of worship or prayers. Some by advocating
health and education. Some by their artistic performances and some attract
common person by performing tricks. Because attracting people to listen
to you is the first step in trying to inculcate rationality
which is our wish. I suggest the following few ways that can be adopted for
the purpose.
Blood
Donation: Every one of us in the
age group of 18 to 60 with good health are eligible to donate blood
once in every three months. The recipient never forgets the donor in
his lifetime. If a particular donor belonging to one caste or religion
donate to others the results are highly positive. This is proved in
the recent communal riots in Gujarat State. Those who had donated blood
to other group of people were left unhurt.
Some patients
ailing with heart problem are seeking free treatment from the super
specialty hospital located at Puttaparthy established by Satya Sai Baba
(SSB). The Patients especially with negative blood group are unable
to procure the blood at the Hospital Blood Bank. They are approaching
Amarnadha Reddy and few of my mends for blood. I am happy to state that
Amamadha Reddy is a staunch humanist and recipient of FIRA award and
Rajeev puraskar award for his selfless dedicated service. They are arranging
the required blood free of cost. At the same time the myth of Satya
Sai Baba converting water into petrol is exposed. The self-proclaimed
godman is unable to convert the blood group in his own hospital! Not
only that the disciples of Satya Sai Baba are seeking help of my rationalist
iriend to motivate them on blood donation. The tricks of Satya Sai Baba
are exposed while motivation. The disciples may not change their attitude.
But, they may reconsider their beliefs. It will be convenient to take
up classes for motivation and blood grouping on the same day. Issue
identity cards to prospective blood donors. Have a list of donors with
their names, addresses, signatures, blood group etc., Miracle exposure
can conveniently be clubbed with motivation class. Blood donation camp
may be arranged as soon as possible. Better to choose educational institutions
with classes of 1 0+2 and above.
Eye
donation: It is a custom for Buddhist’s
in Srilanka to donate eyes. Every one of us is eligible for donation
of eyes. Who prevents us from donating? By pledging eye donation in
large number we can promote an innovative custom in society. We have
to
stand in the forefront as humanist. Such
movements could definitely draw attention of the people.
Body
donation: We may not be able to donate our assets or money but nothing prevents
us to write a will regarding donation of our body to a nearby General
Hospital. Let us hand over copies of the will for publicity to our organizations
duly signed by our family members. You know that many of the body organs
are useful for replacement of fellow human beings whom we love. Not
only that many bodies are required for medical research and for furtherance
of knowledge.
Inter caste marriages: We wish to replace religion by humanism aren’t we? We are much worried
about blood shed taking place on the name of caste, religion, nationality,
colour sect etc., by encouraging our mends and family members to go
in for inter caste marriages, we can sow the seed of reformation. Thus,
we can pave path for annihilation of castes and religions as contemplated
by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
Women
empowerment: We speak much on humanism. But are we giving equal treatment to our
female family members leave alone outsiders. We must practice in our
families right from childhood of kit and kin. Some of our family members
might be religious. We have to respect their feelings. Let us not impose
or insist to follow our ideology. They have equal right to practice
what they believe, like us. If at all we insist they are likely to
turn against us. They are likely to follow our ideology in course of
time if we do not insist on. We know that they are influenced by the
society right from their child-hood. That is why one should aim at influencing
the society simultaneously.
Miracle
Exposure: We are some times
in search of a person who can expose miracle. We are looking at Premanand
or Narendra Naik. It is always not possible for them to comply with
our request. It is a better option to make use of local resources in
such a case. We need not feel sorry. Every one of us can perform tricks
to bring about radical reforms. Here are a few tricks. They are not
only easy to demonstrate but also of no cost or low cost. They are also
more effective at the same time. The tricks are chosen from the Book
“Science Versus Miracles” by B. Premanand. Reference to Item No.
and page No. are given in the brackets with a few suggestions.
1. Creating
holy ash (Item-l Page 4) : This
is very easy. The pellets can be carried in our pocket itself. Instead
of Kanjee water, cooked rice grains can also be used in preparation
of pellets. Pellets must be tested for their easy crumbling with fingers
well before demonstration. We must explain the philosophy also behind
every trick.
2. Catching
a card (Item 4 / Page 8) : We
can use visiting card or a thick paper. Try yourself first and then
only on audience.
3. Binocular
vision (Item 5 / Page 10) : We
can use even newspaper. Sight first on an object at farthest distance.
4. Illusion
of brushing: (Item 8 / Page 12)
: An ordinary brush used for washing clothes is enough.
5. Coin
on forehead (Item 15/Page 17) :
This is very easy and impressive.
6. Stopping
of pulse (Item 42/Page 46) : An
onion, lemon or potato is enough for the trick. Try yourself first.
7. Sivalingam
emerging from mouth (Item 6/ Page 62): Sivalingams carved of stone or cast in glass are available in grocery
shops especially where temples are situated. Practice before a mirror
and master the trick.
8. Joining
two jute threads (Item 81/ Page 71) :
The jute thread is also called as country twine. It is available in
grocery shops. It may cost about 25 paise each piece of about a meter
and half. Please try to procure country twine made up with four or six
threads so as to divide it into two equal parts and twist to uniform
thickness.
9. Moving
objects by mental power (Item 118/ Page 90)
: We can also use a round ball pen in place of a pencil.
We can
think of organizing training classes to our volunteers especially on
miracle exposure and other skills. The services of trained volunteers
are much useful for organizations. It is a nice idea to make use of
print and electronic media to propagate rationalist and humanist ideology
depending on interest, ability and time. By undertaking little such
tasks we can be role models. Let us try and perform at least one trick
at the beginning of our speeches. It will go a long way.
Place: Anantpur
Address: 1-4-134, Ganga Nagar, Anantpur - 515 004. Date: 19-4-2007
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