Enact law to ban black magic

The best tribute to rationalist Narandra Dabholkar would be to enact the law by Maharashtra government to ban black magic, superstition and inhuman practices in the name of religion immediately. Narendra Dabholkar was known for his over two-decade long campaign against outdated and inhuman social practices. He was 69 year old . He was head of ‘Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti’, an organization devoted to eradication of superstition. Narendra Dabhol was a rationalist who fought all his life against superstition, black magic, self acclaimed god men and all types of inhuman practices carried out in society under the patronage of politicians and religious dogmatists. His killing has shaken not only the men and women who think rationally in Maharashtra but all over India. His murder also shows how even in 21st century our society is still dominated by superstition, black magic and self-acclaimed god men. Dabholkar tried to awaken a sense of reasoning among the people and cautioned the society against all types of exploitation in the name of religion. Though he was not asking the people to be atheists, he propagated among them not to be misled by these self-acclaimed god men, practioners of black magic, superstition, tantras and mantras. Dabholkar murder is an attack on the constitution of the nation and the movement for the enlightment of society. He was very popular throughout Maharashtra. He founded ‘Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti and relentlessly worked for educating society against superstition and back magic. He was shot dead while on morning walk in Pune. Before his killing, there were attacks on him during his press conferences several times, but the Maharashtra police took no security measures. His death is a great blow to rationalism in society. Dabholkar had become an eyesore for the exponents of superstitions and promoters of black magic and inhuman acts in society. The politicians of our nation have also greatly contributed to the rise of god men like Dhirendra Brahmchari, Chandraswamy and others to promote medievalism in the society. If they had supported rationalism, our nation would have greatly benefited. Though the allegation has been levelled against some Hindu-outfits for the murder of Dabholkar by his supporters, it is a matter of thorough probe. First, his murderers should be brought to justice as early as possible by the Maharashtra police. Political parties and social organisations have rightly called for a day's bandh in Pune to protest the murder of anti-superstition crusader Narendra Dabholkar, even as police released the sketch of suspects.