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About us 

The Science and Rationalists’ Association of India (name of the organization in Bengali  is “Bharatiya Bigyan O Yuktibadi Samiti) established on 1^st March  1985, our organization is made up of like minded people coming from different professions. We are not affiliated to any political party .  

             Our aim is to eradicate superstition and blind faith, which  include religious fanaticism , astrology , caste-system, spiritualism  and numerous other obscurantist beliefs. 

                Our view is that rational way of thinking shall be spread among the people as against spiritual or religious teachings, and that alone can bring about social change. 

What is rationalism?— (article - RATIONALIST MOVEMENT in the Indian context)

             We work to propagate our views by 

Ø      Holding regular study classes in Kolkata and all our branches.                                                                  

Ø      Organizing seminars /workshops.

Ø      Holding street corner meetings.

Ø      Publishing magazines, leaflets, posters. 

Ø      Sending team for investigations into any so called supernatural phenomena and   publishing/broadcasting the report immediately through the media.

Ø      Opening branches

	Pic: Yuktibadi show

Ø      free coaching, free dispensary, blood donation camp, eye and body donation  camp 

  To open branches

Seven like minded people can open a separate branch after discussion and scrutiny by our Kolkata main

 office. After opening, Branches will work independently and submit periodical reports of their activities.

 Annual subscription - Rs. 100.00 only.

 Associate organizations --- Any science club or cultural organization can become our member by  paying annual  subscription of Rs. 100.00 only, provided they propagate rationalism. On various issues they may join us in our campaigns and hold joint meetings.

Our achievements:-

Ø      We have established humanism as a religion first time in India (N.B:-India’s largest and most powerful religious organization Ramkrishna Mission tried to establish ‘Ramkrishnan’as a religion . But after a long legal fight they failed). It is our great victory that now you can write ‘humanism’ in the column for religion. Please note that United Nations has in the general assembly of November, 1981 declared that “Everyone shall have the right  to have a religion or belief of his choice and freedom.”

Ø       Astrologers have been denied their status as a legitimate  profession. In 2002, astrologers were prohibited from paying profession tax since this was not a legal profession. (Details)

Ø      India and Pakistan used to feel that Kashmir issue was their internal problem to be solved by them. At that time we were the first to point out that even when India and Pakistan were under the British rule Kashmir was free state . So India and Pakistan do not have the right to divide a free state like Kashmir among themselves. For any discussion on this issue the people of Kashmir have to be taken into account. Now  both the govts. and all political parties feel the same. (Details)

Ø      During 1997-98 there was an attempt to legalize prostitution in India. At that time we, through our articles and leaflets and also TV programmes   protested against this and created public opinion in our favour. Finally it was not  legalized. (Details)

Ø      UGC (University Grant Commission) had decided to introduce Astrology as a subject for studies in University. Later this was withdrawn on our instance of challenging our human resource  minister Mr. M. M. Joshi. (Details)

Ø      We have challenged, confronted and exposed a vast number of godmen , astrologer faith healers, witches people with so-called supernatural powers. Their names include-

Computer woman Shakuntala devi

Witch queen Ipsita Roy Chakraborty

Morris Cerullo from USA

And numerous other  fakirs and tantriks, the latest being faith healer Clive Harris from Canada, who once exposed,  had to flee without holding his healing sessions.

How you can help us?

Ø      By being life member/ordinary member.

Ø      By sending small articles, anecdotes which will  be read in our classes and if selected, pulished in our magazine

Ø      By donating to our magazine fund Amra Yuktibadi which is suffering due to constant shortage of fund.

Join today:

Details of membership-

In India: Ordinary membership Rs. 100 /-yearly

              For students Rs 50/- yearly

              Life membership Rs. 10,000/-

Foreign: Ordinary membership $50 yearly

                                              Or Pound 30 yearly

               Life membership $5000

                            Or Pound 3000

In Nepal, Bangladesh , Bhutan, Srilanka, Pakistan, Afganistan  :

              Ordinary membership Rs. 300/- yearly

              For students Rs 150 /- yearly

              Life membership Rs. 30,000/-

Send subscription or donation through cheque or draft in favour of  Bharatiya Bigyan O Yukitibadi Samiti

To

Sumitra Padmanavan

General Secretary (Humanists’ Association of India)

Treasurer SRAI

Address :-   P-2 Block-B

                   Lake town

                    Kolkata-700 089

                    India

If you join us –You will get:

Ø      A new insight into the life and society around us.

Ø      The fun of knowing more than what is apparent.

Ø      The joy of involvement in the latest – the most in thing,  - the Rationalist Movement.

Ø      Apart from this you will get a membership card and solution to  your queries on supernaturalism – signed by Prabir Ghosh.

The challenge by Prabir Ghosh:- On behalf of Science and Rationalist Association of India, Mr. Prabir Ghosh will pay Rs. 25,00,000 (approx US$50,000) to anyone who claims to possess supernatural power of any kind and proves the same  without restoring to any trick in the location specified by Prabir Ghosh. The so-called supernatural or paranormal incidents widely publicized in India and abroad which are included by Prabir Ghosh in his list of 30 instances are as follows:

Ø      Curing a terminally ill person in six months, with the help on Reiki or touch therapy or faith healing.

Ø      Repairing transistors or tape recorders with the help of Reiki.

Ø      The effectiveness of Feng-shui.

Ø      The effectiveness of Vaastu-Shastra (may be demonstrated by opening up factories under lock-out)

Ø      Fixing marriages, winning law-suits, getting good academic results etc. with the  help of amulets or talismans.

Ø      Walking on water.

Ø      Psychokinesis /Tele therapy

Ø      Predicting the death (Year and Date) of 4 famous personalities by astrology, or any other psychic power.

And many others

It may be noted that – we don’t have the challenge money 20 lakhs with us. But our supporters and well-wishers have committed to help us out in case we need it. But we are confident we will never need the money.  The rationalist will win all the challenges.

 If you commit and promise your support, we can enhance the challenge money further. 

Our wings:

1.      Humanists’ Association (HA):- Established on 11^th September 1993, with the aim of replacing all established religions with “Humanism”. Also working for –

v     Human rights: helping with legal assistance.

v     Counseling  people in distress.

v     Propagating eye-donation and body donation for medical use after death.

v     Demanding legitimacy of euthanasia (Mercy killing or willfully accepting death)

v     Free coaching and free dispensaries.

2.Muktachinta Publication:-Publishing small booklets on current topics, rationalist issues or women’s issues for circulation among common people at a subsidized rate.(name of the books will be sent to you later).

 3.Bangladesh Bigyan O Yuktibadi Samiti:- It is an independent organization and working parallel to us.

 4. Mukto-mona: ( http://www.mukto-mona.com ) An assembly of freethinkers mostly from Bangalee descent in the Internet promoting freethinking, humanism and rationalism.

Prabir Ghosh:-

                       Born on 1^st March 1945, Prabir spent his early childhood in railway towns of Kharagpur and Adra. Growing up with god-fearing parents in this multicultural township, Prabir had keen interest in gods and godmen. As a child he spent hours with these religious people. As a result, he learnt magic and all the other tricks these godmen practiced, at a very young age.

    
Prabir Ghosh

                      Teacher Subhendu Roy instilled in him, the interest in sociology and in the power of political motivation behind all human endeavours. He grew up  have keen interest in politics and developed excellent oratorical skill.

                     In his college days, he started writing in premier Bengali magazines and dailies. An avid reader, his interests include anthropology, archeology, history, psychology, sociology and of course, politics. As a result, his understanding of  the human mind as an individual and the social human being as a species is vast.  With this knowledge of the human mind, his keen sense of politics gives him an insight and a rare understanding of all human problems.

                   He has also completed four collection of series meant for young readers who wish to grew up. Topics like psychology, history, sociology and politics are discussed by way of story-telling in such lucid language that one never loses interest. And the special point of view, which is the trademark of Prabir, never fails to hit the readers’.

                   Aware of  party programmes of all political parties , and their failures and effectiveness, he realized the importance of “Rationalism” as a school of thought which should be systematically developed . Once the Rationalists’ Association was established, he had to face severe animosity from various groups of spirituals and godmen. An immensely courageous and upright person, he faces all attacks , with the help of his keen intellect, understanding and the worldwide network of support and goodwill which he enjoys.  

Publications

v     Aloukik noy Loukik(Vol-I)

[Nothing is Supernatural]

Subjects on ‘Parapsychology’, like ESP, Telepathy, Precognition, Clairvoyance, Psycho-Kinesis are discussed  elaborately.

Various godmen of the world has been exposed in this volume and their claims on supernaturalism debunked.                   (Pages - 264)

v     Aloukik noy Loukik(Vol-II)

[Nothing is Supernatural]

In this volume, ‘exorcism’, ‘witch-craft’, ‘being possessed by god or demon’ have been scientifically explained. Elaborate discussion about the reasons behind these superstitious beliefs is there.

(Pages - 351)

v     Aloukik noy Loukik(Vol-III)

[Nothing is Supernatural]

In-depth study on Astrology as against Astronomy is the theme of this part. Belief on stones & amulets, metal tablets has been discussed scientifically. Apart from this, predictions of Nostradamus have been discussed and explained with humour.

(Pages - 306)

v     Aloukik noy Loukik(Vol-IV)

[Nothing is Supernatural]

Soul, Spiritualism, Planchette, Reincarnation---- 12 such incidents narrated by Parapsychologists have been scientifically explained in this volume. It also explains how status-quo is being maintained in our social-system.

      In order to change the system, we should know its basis.

      (Pages - 240 )

v     Aloukik noy Loukik(Vol-V)

[Nothing is Supernatural]

Definition of religion as an institution; the advent of religion, the views of various Sociologists and Archeologists;

Atheism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Contemporary Rationalism and Marxism; details on Yoga and Tantra -

with all these discussed with insight –this latest volume is a ‘must-read’.

      (Pages - 256)

v     Ami Kano Ishwar-e Biswas Kori Na?

[ Why I Don’t believe in God ?]

An array of arguments in favour of religious faith or belief in god are brought in. Various points as expressed by believers from all walks of life –from a destitute to a Nobel-laureate are discussed and discarded with counter-argument.

It’s a first ever book of this kind with an exhaustive list of arguments and counter-arguments.

      (Pages - 216 )

v     Sanskriti-Sanghrasho-O-Nirman

[Cultural Revolution : the struggle and the formation]

This book is the Manifesto of  The Science and Rationalists’ Association of India. It is a veritable text-book for those who believe in the necessity of Cultural Revolution .

The Indian Constitution, Religious fanaticism , Secularism etc.  have been discussed in a new light by way of a guideline to drastic cultural/ social change.

      (Pages - 255)

v     Probad-Sanskar-Kusanskar (Vol-I)

      [Adages, practices, superstitions and hearsay ]

    Ancient and modern adages in alphabetical order are compiled and analysed meticulously-one can call it a dictionary              of adages with specialized  comments on each.

   (Pages - 256)

v     Dharma-Seba-Sammohan

[Religion-Charity-Hypnotism]

    Collection of essays on various social and human malaise from the rational point of view. Topics discussed- Hypnotism, Mob-violence, Credibility of News-Media, Secularism, the role of  NGOs funded from abroad.

      (Pages - 120)

 v     Shadhinotar Por Bharoter Jwalanto Samasya

[ The burning issues of post independent India]

As evident from the name, this collection has topics like 50 years of Indian Independence, free-thinking in Bangladesh , the inside story of “sex-worker’s” movement , Kashmir Movement : a Historic Manifesto and Corruption.

      (Pages - 176)

v     Juktibadir Chokhe Narimukti

[Women’s liberation through Rational Eye]

Women’s liberation and feminism has got a new perspective in this collection. Through rational analysis, a new concept “Humanistic Feminism ” has emerged. Feminist movement throughout the world at different times have been discussed.

      (Pages - 168)

v     Juktibadir Challenger-ra (Vol.-I)

[The confrontation with rationalists]

Collection of real-life stories – a first hand account of thrilling challenges faced and won by Gurubusters Prabir and Rationalists’ Association.

      (Pages - 176)

v      Dui Banglar Juktibadider Chokhe Dharma

[Religion as seen by Rationalists of Bengal - East and West]

As evident from the name , it is a collection of essays by the Rationalists of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The topic of religion has been dealt from various angles by 30 eminent Bengali writers.

      (Pages - 319)

v     Aloukik Drishti Rahasya

[The mystery of miraculous vision ]

      (Pages - 111)

v     Pinky O Aloukik Baba

[Pinky and the godman]

      (Pages - 84)

v     Aloukik Rahasya Sandhane Pinky

[Pinky , chasing the supernatural mysteries]

      (Pages - 128)

v     Aloukik Rahasya Jaale Pinky

[ Pinky trapped in miraculous mysteries]

      (Pages - 128)

Exciting real life incidents revealing various paranormal mysteries specially meant for young readers.

v     Kashmir Samasya: Ekti Aitihasik Dalil

[Kashmir Issue: a historical manifesto]

      (Pages - 48)

v     Bhute Bhar

[‘Being Possessed’ (By Demon)]

      (Pages - 48 )

v     Jyotish Banam Bigyan

[Astrology Vs Science – Pamphlet]

      (Pages - 54)

v     Biswa Quiz

[World Quiz]

v Yuktibadi-r Challenger-ra(Vol-II)

[The confrontation with rationalists]

During the last 5 years after volume-I, the rationalists (Yuktibadis)  faced more than 200 challenges and each and every case they came out successful. Top ten such incidents of exposing social or medical myths, or debunking religious hocus-pocus have been narrated in this book .

             v Is Mother Teresa on her path to sainthood? What is behind the beatification of this soul?

                  This book is a ‘must read’ for sociologist and adventure-lovers alike. 

N.B  Anyone wishing to translate any of the books into any language may contact Prabir Ghosh personally or write to

                           72/8 Devinibas Road

                            Kolkata – 74

                            West Bengal

                            India

v     Picture Cards With Prabir Verses

v     Cassette of Prabir’s (Love Poems)

The cover design of these books along with the details of other publications will be sent shortly.

HUMANISM AS RELIGION

Sumitra Padmanavan

General Secretary

Humanists’ Association

                      In modern world man can not live in watertight compartments of his own clan. Barriers between countries and communities are first vanishing – here separate codes of conduct are bound to germinate into open clashes. Why? Can’t we have a common code of values for all human beings? Yes, we can. Only if we can be rational and get rid of our age-old adherence to superstition, our blind faith in the infallibility of the scriptures, our unquestioning submission to the dictums of ancient law-makers. Faith without knowledge lead us to blindness, and blindness to fanaticism. If we learn to depend more on empirical knowledge of natural and social sciences, we can be guided by that knowledge to the path of peace and harmony . we then, will be able to imbibe the essence of all religious teaching transmitted us by our forefathers through generations and become total human beings.

                     The United Nations, after 20 years of effort made by its commission, has declared in the General Assembly of November 1981 that “everyone shall have the right to have a religion on belief of his choice and freedom…”

                    On the 10^th of December 1993, the World Human Rights Day , we found 58 members of the Humanists’ Association of India coming from different walks of life legally accept Humanism as their religion by singing a declaration. Since then the flow is steady and it is a matter of pride for our nation that so many are being inspired daily to unite in a truly rational, secular and humane common ground forgetting their caste and creed, which may in future show light to the entire world.

                   Who knows? By the turn of the century, Humanism might be the only religion unifying the entire planet? 

RATIONALIST MOVEMENT

in the Indian context

Prabir Ghosh

                      The first precondition for a true Rationalist movement is that every decision, every judgements has to be based on reason. If our judgement are guided by personal motivates or by clannish sentiments, we will be depending more and more on muscle-power or brute-force.

                       In certain critical moments of life, man values emotion rather than reason. In such moments too, various reason play in our minds – which is to be accepted and which is to be rejected is usually decided by our religious belief, caste, social standing, communal motivates etc. the ruling class utilizes these divisive emotional forces to create separation between different classes/communities. Seeds of suspicion and division are planted and issues like ‘Reservation’ and ‘Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid’ are born.

Exploiters desire in their own interest that the common

man should be guided by emotion rather

than by reason.

                     To spread scientific awareness among common people, to propagate rational attitude towards life and its various aspects is the first prerogative for making rational human beings. That, according to us is the foremost aim of a science organization.

                   Today, many young boys and girls are coming forward in organizing workshops under our banner ‘Aloukik Noi Loukik’ ( Nothing is Supernatural). They are our associate organization who in cities, towns and remote villages conduct shows to explain apparently supernatural phenomena by actually showing the common feats shown by the sadhus, avatars, godmen witches, sorcerers, exorcists and the likes. They are then giving scientific explanation for each trick. Some are challenging these frauds and exposing them in public. Some of their shows are like magic shows, but all the tricks can not be compared to common magic. Faith healing, hypnotism, being possessed by spirit etc. can not be explained as magic tricks. Our aim is to help people in finding out the real scientific cause behind each unnatural phenomena. The reason may be psychological or physiological or plain cheating. However there has to some natural scientific process perceptible to every common man. Once common people understand this fact, supernaturalism will fail as an instrument for exploiting the poor, the innocent and the ignorant.  

[Translated by - Sumitra Padmanavan]

FAQ:-

1. How do you make members?
2. Are you affiliated to any political party?
3. Don’t you believe in the basic tenets of Communism?
4. Do you think the festivals connected to religious beliefs are welcome and should not be done away with?
5. Do you think it is possible to eradicate religious faith in a country like India?
6. Isn’t Atheism’ too radical and a rather negative idea to offer to the common man?

Answer 

1. willingness to overcome superstition and religious blindness is the main criterion. Anyone who comes with an open mind is welcome.
2. A big NO.
3. Not exactly. We dream of a world of equal opportunities for everyone, the world without exploitation. Humanism through rationalism is the only way.
4. yes. Is not overnight, gradually. Human progress has always been with the help of reason. Our effort is to bring this as first as possible in the greater interest of mankind.
5. No. religious belief (has also festivals and rituals) is harmful since it paves the way for exploitation and deprival. But festivals that have socio-cultural basis are welcome. E.G. Raksha-bandhan, Bihu and Onam (both connected to harvest) and holy (colour festivals welcoming spring).
6. Yes. That is why we promote Humanism as religion which has definite positive connotations.

If you have any other questions regarding our activities etc. You are welcome to contact us over e-mail.

Contact us:-

Prabir Ghosh

General Secretary

Science and Rationalists' Association of India

72/8 Devinibas Road

Dum Dum

Kolkata-700 074

West Bengal

India 

Phone-  93301 21900

E mail- prabir_rationalist@hotmail.com

 Sumitra Padmanavan

Genaral Secretary

Humanists' Association

P-2, Block B

Lake Town

Kolkata- 700 089 

Phone-   93301 23900

E mail- sumitra_humanist@hotmail.com