Indian Skeptic - 2010 03

Magazine Overview

Title: INDIAN SKEPTIC
Issue: No. 01/03
Date: March 2010

This issue of Indian Skeptic, an e-magazine mailed free, aims to foster a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the magazine's opinion. The editor and publisher is Manoj.

Key Articles and Themes

Guns or Butter: Impact of Science and Technology on People

This article by Anur R Puniyani explores the profound and intricate relationship between science, technology, and human life. It argues that science is omnipresent, influencing every aspect of our daily activities, from travel to manufacturing. The author highlights a concerning trend in modern India where, despite benefiting from technology, there's a simultaneous rise in obscurantism, with practices like Reiki, Feng-shui, and Vastu gaining popularity despite lacking logical foundations. This is linked to the insecurity generated by global competition and the 'hire and fire' culture in the IT sector. The article contrasts the scientific method, rooted in observation and experimentation, with blind faith, suggesting that technology has brought both hope and insecurity.

Mayan Calendar and the End of the World Hoax

Authored by Saurabh Garg, this article dissects the hype surrounding the Mayan Calendar and the 'End of the World' predictions, particularly amplified by the movie '2012'. It debunks several myths:

• Myth 1: The Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world on December 21, 2012. Truth: The calendar marks the end of a cycle, not the end of existence. Accurate astronomical calculations do not equate to doomsday prediction.
• Myth 2: Sun storms will destroy the ozone layer and life on Earth. Truth: While solar activity is cyclic and recent storms have been intense, NASA acknowledges the 2012 sunspot cycle will be less severe than historic peaks, not deadly.
• Myth 3: The Bible predicts the end of the world in 2012. Truth: The article dismisses this, implying biblical prophecies are often self-contradictory and open to interpretation.
• Myth 4: The Yellowstone Super-volcano will destroy human life. Truth: The Internet is a source of misinformation; geologists are not predicting an eruption in 2012, and such events occur on geological timescales (approx. 650,000 years).
• Myth 5: NASA says a comet will strike in 2012. Truth: NASA's 'Deep Impact' mission involved impacting a comet (Tempel 1) in 2005, not predicting a catastrophic comet strike in 2012.

The article emphasizes that the Y2K problem and other doomsday predictions often stem from misinterpretations or errors in assigning data.

Atheist Eve

This is a brief piece by Tracie Harris, likely exploring themes related to atheism.

Mother Mary Shedding Tears!

Narendra Nayak investigates claims of Mother Mary shedding tears, likely presenting a skeptical viewpoint on such phenomena.

Indo-Pak Peace Talks and Taliban Provocations

Ram Puniyani discusses the complexities of peace negotiations between India and Pakistan, particularly in the context of Taliban provocations. This article likely analyzes the political and security challenges in the region.

From the President of FIRA

Narendra Nayak, as President of FIRA (likely an organization), shares insights or updates from the organization's perspective.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking

This section features insights from Carl Sagan, a renowned scientist and skeptic, likely offering methods or principles for critical evaluation and skepticism.

The Impact of Globalization and Outsourcing

Anur R Puniyani further elaborates on how technology has influenced enterprises, making the world 'flatter' and enabling mass outsourcing of production and back-office operations to countries with cheaper labor. While this offers flexibility and profit maximization for entrepreneurs, it creates intense competition and insecurity for workers in third-world countries. The article draws a parallel to colonial conquests, where the West benefited at the expense of local economies. It highlights that while IT and ITES sectors offer better monetary gains, the overall system creates an 'unequal exchange' and insecurity, leading people to seek comfort in blind faith. However, the article also acknowledges that technology has positively transformed lives for many, providing hope and material satisfaction.

The Scientific Method vs. Obscurantism

The issue contrasts the scientific method, which emerged during the Renaissance with figures like Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton challenging religious dogma through observation, logic, and experimentation, with the current trend of embracing unscientific beliefs. The article notes that the same logical foundation underpins computer science and the IT industry. It criticizes TV channels promoting practices like Reiki and Feng Shui, suggesting that stressed individuals turn to fortune-tellers for predictability, often ignoring present issues. The core problem is identified as insecurity stemming from global competition and unequal economic exchange.

Technology's Double-Edged Sword

While technology has undeniably improved lives for many, offering educational and financial security, it has also introduced new forms of insecurity, particularly for those in the IT sector. The article concludes that IT in India has provided hope to the hopeless but also fostered insecurity among the carefree. It uses the analogy of a knife, which can be used for good or bad purposes, to illustrate that science itself is neutral, and its impact depends on how humanity chooses to use it – for productive purposes and creating value for all, or for destructive ends and increasing inequalities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of science and technology's role in society, the debunking of pseudoscientific claims and end-of-world hoaxes, and the promotion of a skeptical, rational approach to understanding the world. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of scientific temper, logical reasoning, and empirical evidence, actively challenging blind faith, obscurantism, and misinformation. It advocates for a conscious decision on how to utilize technology for the betterment of society as a whole, rather than for the benefit of a select few.

This issue of "Indian Skeptic" from March 2010 features a range of articles examining alleged paranormal phenomena, scientific predictions, and geopolitical events through a rationalist lens.

Comet Impact and Doomsday Predictions

The magazine addresses the widespread fear surrounding the 2012 doomsday predictions, particularly those linked to comet impacts. It debunks claims attributed to Berkeley University physicists suggesting a 99% certainty of a catastrophic event in 2012. The article clarifies that while comet impacts are a real possibility, their timing is unpredictable, occurring over millennia rather than specific years. It notes that smaller objects (5-10m) impact Earth annually with the energy of the Hiroshima bomb, usually exploding in the upper atmosphere. Larger objects (1km) impact once every million years, and 5km objects once every ten million years. The asteroid Apophis is mentioned as a case that caused alarm, but its impact probability for 2036 is calculated at 1 in 250,000, with no 2012 impact anticipated.

Myth 6: Earth's Magnetic Field Change or Pole Shifting

This section tackles the myth of an imminent pole shift. It explains that Earth's magnetic field shields us from solar radiation. While magnetic poles do swap places approximately every 750,000 years, and the current poles are drifting apart at about 20-30 km per year, this process is not immediate. The article clarifies that magnetic field reversals do not cause the field to vanish but rather become more complicated, with poles appearing in unusual locations. These reversals take thousands of years to complete and the field continues to offer protection.

Myth 7: Physicists Confirm the End of the World in 2012

This myth is dismissed as a hoax, stating that claims of physicists from Berkeley University acknowledging the end of the world in 2012 are unsubstantiated, with no names provided for these supposed physicists. The article suggests that the University of Berkeley is actively recruiting students, contradicting the idea that its physicists believe the world is ending.

Atheist Eve: Unbelievable!

This section features a comic strip by Tracie Harris, titled "Atheist Eve," which humorously questions the literal interpretation of biblical stories. It depicts scenes such as Jonah being swallowed by a 'great fish,' Jesus exorcising demons into a herd of pigs, Balaam's talking donkey, and the resurrection of dead people. The strip concludes with a statement of disbelief in concepts like evolution and the Big Bang due to a perceived lack of evidence.

Mother Mary Shedding Tears!

Narendra Nayak reports on an alleged paranormal phenomenon in Kerala, India, where statues of Mary and flex prints were reported to be shedding oily, aromatic liquid resembling tears. A team of rationalists from the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations and Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham visited the St. Mary's Jacobite Chapel to investigate. They observed oily liquid on photographs and collected vials of the substance, which smelled of aromatic oil. However, the team was not allowed to touch or collect samples of the liquid, raising suspicions. The article suggests that the phenomenon might be a staged event, possibly for commercial exploitation, and that the church authorities were not fully cooperative in allowing further investigations.

B. Premanand Shedding Tears Over Cheap Tricks Being Called Miracles

This article continues the investigation into alleged miracles, focusing on a case involving B. Premanand. The author expresses skepticism about claims of liquid oozing from photographs, suggesting it could be a trick. The article notes that while the church authorities claim the liquid is from the vials, there are indications it might be transferred from vials to prints by human agency. The prolonged legal battle between Orthodox and Jacobite Syrian Christian Churches over possession of churches is also mentioned. The author suspects that the liquid is being commercially exploited and that the church authorities are hiding something by not allowing further investigation.

Humanism Affirms Moral Values

A quote by H. Narasimhaiah from "Science, Nonscience and the Paranormal (1987)" is presented, asserting that moral values stem from human need, interest, and experience, not divine or religious sanctions. It argues that ethical behavior is social, autonomous, and situational, and that actions are considered wrong because they are inimical to societal interests, not because of religious commandments.

Indo-Pak Peace Talks and Taliban Provocations

Ram Puniyani discusses the volatile relationship between India and Pakistan, particularly in the context of Taliban provocations. Reports of Sikhs being killed by Pakistan-based Taliban militants are highlighted, with suggestions that conversion to Islam was a motive. The article notes the Indian government's strong reaction and condemnation of the act. It points out a correlation between improving India-Pakistan relations and acts of terrorism, which serve to pressure the Indian government to halt talks. Historical incidents like the Kargil occupation and the Mumbai attacks are cited as examples of how such provocations disrupt peace efforts. The article emphasizes the need to distinguish between Pakistan's civilian government, its army, and the Taliban complex to understand the country's dynamics. It also touches upon the rise of Zia Ul Haq and the influence of Maulana Maududi, as well as the US role in supporting Madrassas that trained youth for anti-Soviet forces, inadvertently contributing to the rise of terrorists.

Taliban's Rule of Law!

This section includes a photograph and caption related to the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, sourced from RAWA (Revolutionary Association of Women of Afghanistan).

Pakistan Civil Government and Jizya

The article argues for strengthening Pakistan's civil government to counter the army's highhandedness and terrorist activities. It asserts that the Taliban's actions do not align with Islamic teachings, which prohibit forced conversion and the killing of innocents. The concept of Jizya, a tax levied on non-Muslims in lieu of military duties, is discussed as a political issue when used in contemporary discourse, and the need for the Indian government to ensure the protection of minorities in Pakistan is stressed.

Quote by Michael Bakunin

A quote by Michael Bakunin from "Federalism, Socialism, and Anti-Theologism (1867)" is featured, stating that religions are founded on sacrifice and the immolation of humanity to divine vengeance, with man as the victim and the priest as the divine executioner.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical examination of religious narratives, and analysis of geopolitical conflicts and extremism. The editorial stance is clearly rationalist, aiming to debunk myths, expose hoaxes, and provide evidence-based perspectives on sensational events and political issues. The magazine promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry as tools to understand the world, contrasting them with superstition and blind faith.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue Date: March 2010
Content Type: Magazine issue focusing on rationalism and skepticism.

President's Report: Tours and Interactions

Narendra Nayak, President of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), begins by recounting his recent hectic but satisfying tour of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, a three-day training program was organized at Mahad by Pravin Gangurde, a newly joined FIRA member and director of the Ambedkar Center. This program involved approximately forty enthusiastic MSW students, with whom Nayak exchanged ideas and discussed techniques of 'godmen' and those claiming supernatural powers. Some students were so inspired that they discarded superstitious threads and amulets. Notably, many participants were Daliths and had traveled long distances at their own expense.

Following this, Nayak had a two-hour interaction with students at Ambdekar College in Mumbai, where teachers encouraged critical questioning. He then traveled to Itarsi, spending two days among tribals in Khesla and nearby areas. The interactions there were productive. In Mumbai, he met with three trainees who had previously attended a program in June 2009.

His tour continued to Bhopal, where he engaged with students from a state-level school for SC students. This program was facilitated by Rajesh Parashar, Malliaha, and their group, who are teachers dedicated to educating students in a real sense. The same evening, Nayak proceeded to Indore. There, an organization named Deen Bandhu had arranged a five-day training program at Visarjan Ashram. This program had around forty regular participants and ten to twenty casual attendees, including Christian nuns. Nayak found the level of interaction excellent, believing that some participants would take up the task of fostering scientific temper. The local organizers were Anand and Sanjay, faculty members at a local college of social work. The trainees were undergraduate, postgraduate, or research students in social work departments.

Nayak concluded his journey by returning to Mangalore via Mumbai.

Investigating 'Miracles' and Combating Fundamentalism

The magazine reports on a 'miracle' that occurred in the second week of February in Kayankulam, Kerala, where a flex print of Mary was claimed to be shedding tears. In contrast to traditional weeping statues, this event highlighted the adaptation of 'miracles' to changing technologies. Anil Kumar of the Kerala Yuktivade Sangham had written to the Bishop seeking permission to investigate, and surprisingly, permission was granted. FIRA plans to demonstrate a similar 'miracle' using a flex print of Premanand shedding tears, viewing imitation as a form of flattery and an opportunity to investigate.

The article addresses the movement's constant targeting by fundamentalists, specifically mentioning Muslim fundamentalism in Andhra Pradesh. Protests erupted over a book published by Krantikar, leading to his arrest, along with Inniaha and Subba Rao, who were allegedly involved in selling the book. Similar incidents occurred in Karnataka, targeting newspapers known for their progressive stance. The author expresses surprise that translations of articles by Taslima Nasreen, available online, were deemed offensive. FIRA has taken up the cause of the three individuals, with Babu providing updates on the legal actions. The importance of securing bail for them is emphasized to facilitate a broader debate on fundamental rights and religious sentiments.

Future Plans and Exposing 'Godmen'

Plans are underway to produce a full-length feature film loosely based on the work of Premanand. The script is in progress, with the aim of making it a commercially viable proposition, which might involve adding events that did not actually occur. Narendra Nayak has been asked to provide technical consultancy for this project and has gladly accepted.

Nayak expresses optimism for progress and consolidation in the coming year. He mentions that a state-level rationalist federation is being planned in Karnataka, with a meeting scheduled for March 14th in Bangalore. Such federations are deemed essential for representing their viewpoint and investigating paranormal phenomena.

The magazine highlights a boost in their battles against 'godmen' due to the exposure of two such figures in Delhi and Bangalore. Their alleged sexual escapades have reportedly stirred public rebellion. While these scandals have once again captured national attention, the article notes the public's short memory regarding similar past exposures. The author criticizes the 'brainwashed devotees' who defend their gurus, stating that while an individual's sex life is private, those claiming celibacy and preaching morality should uphold their own standards. The article urges people who worship such individuals to realize this.

FIRA reaffirms its commitment to investigating and exposing frauds, and to fostering scientific temper. The movement is seen as reaching a critical mass, suggesting rapid progress. The article concludes with a rhetorical question: "are we prepared to take on these challenges?" It places the responsibility on the readers to decide and act.

Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha

This section announces that the Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association) conducts monthly lectures and discussions on various topics. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. M.N. Keshava Rao, A.S. Nataraj, or BVV Subba Rao for more information, providing their phone numbers and email addresses.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

This section features an extract from Carl Sagan's essay, 'The Fine Art of Baloney Detection,' which encapsulates the basic tenets of Skeptical Thinking. The full text is available in his book, 'The Demonhaunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark.' The key principles of skeptical thinking outlined are:

• Independent Confirmation: Wherever possible, seek independent confirmation of facts.
• Substantive Debate: Encourage debate among knowledgeable proponents of all viewpoints.
• No Authorities, Only Experts: Arguments from authority carry little weight, as authorities have made mistakes. Science has no absolute authorities, only experts.
• Multiple Hypotheses: Spin more than one hypothesis. Think of all possible explanations and devise tests to systematically disprove each alternative. The hypothesis that survives disproof has a better chance of being correct.
• Detachment from Hypothesis: Do not get overly attached to a hypothesis. It is a way station in the pursuit of knowledge. Question why you favor an idea and compare it fairly with alternatives.
• Quantify: Whenever possible, quantify phenomena. Numerical quantities help discriminate between competing hypotheses, whereas vague and qualitative information is open to multiple interpretations.
• Sound Arguments: Every link in a chain of argument, including the premise, must be sound.
• Occam's Razor: When faced with two hypotheses that explain data equally well, choose the simpler one.
• Falsifiability: Always ask if a hypothesis can be, at least in principle, falsified. Untestable or unfalsifiable propositions are not very valuable. Assertions must be checkable, and skeptics should be able to duplicate experiments and verify results.

Buddha's Wisdom

A quote attributed to Buddha is presented, emphasizing the importance of critical examination and analysis over blind belief based on tradition, imagination, or respect for authority. The doctrine to be believed and clung to is that which, after due examination, is found to be conducive to the good, benefit, and welfare of all beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of rationalism, skepticism, and scientific temper in the face of superstition, pseudoscience, and religious fundamentalism. The magazine actively critiques the claims of 'godmen' and fraudulent spiritual leaders, advocating for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. There is a strong emphasis on education and empowering individuals to question and analyze information independently. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of secularism, scientific inquiry, and the defense of fundamental rights against what it perceives as irrational or oppressive forces. The issue highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like FIRA to combat misinformation and foster a more rational society.