August 20th commemorates the tragic day when Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, a torchbearer of the movement against superstition in Maharashtra, was assassinated. His memory is celebrated by the organization he founded as 'National Day of Scientific Rationalism'. Born on November 1, 1945, in Maharashtra's Satara district, he chose social activism over a medical career after his MBBS studies. Joining the anti-superstition movement in 1982 as a full-time activist, he established the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (Committee for the Eradication of Blind Faith) in 1989, leading it without any governmental or foreign aid. The group boasts nearly 200 branches across Maharashtra.
Decades ago, Dabholkar created a 'Social Gratitude Fund' to financially support change-making activists. He vocally opposed the environmental harm caused by Ganesh idol immersions and Diwali fireworks, resulting in some labelling his campaigns as anti-Hindu, which they were not. On his death anniversary, delve into his revolutionary thoughts through this forthcoming letter.
Dear friends and youth, you have likely encountered a chain letter or pamphlet at some point. These communications often place you at a crossroads, stirring doubts about whether to follow the instructions; fearing bad luck or hoping for promised fortunes. Picture this – if you disregard the letter, could the mentioned misfortunes really befall someone? Or has it happened just because of such nonchalance?
These letters typically serve up a mix of temptation and intimidation, invoking deities like Santoshi Mata or others, demanding you to spread further copies or face dire consequences. Tales of sudden wealth bestowed upon the obedient are contrasted with horrors faced by skeptics: theft, accidents, and even deaths. Friends, make a wise choice – decide whether to get entangled in fear or to stand against it.
Gautami, a thirty-year-old teacher and mother of two, spotted a somber mood among her students who had just received similar chain letters. These chain letters intimidated them with the threat of death if they were not passed on. Some parents called for school administration intervention, leaving everyone in suspense about the teacher's next move.
In an assertive demonstration, Gautami tore her letter into pieces, teaching a lesson in bravery and skepticism. Despite falling ill and against medical advice, she continued to teach to dispel the children's fears. On the fifteenth day, with all well and no tragedies in sight, she reinforced a critical lesson: actions must align with knowledge and moral courage, a legacy echoing Gopal Ganesh Agarkar’s words from a century ago.
Young friends, life will test your principles. Will you face challenges with fortitude? Your companion in wisdom, Narendra Dabholkar
