Indian Skeptic - 2010 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated June 2010, is identified as No. 01/06 and is presented as an e-magazine mailed free to recipients. The editor and publisher is Manoj Trichambaram. The magazine's mission is to promote a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform in India, as suggested by a quote from Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution.

Contents and Key Articles

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• Terrorism Investigations - Delayed Waking Up by Ram Puniyani: This article critically examines terrorism investigations in India, particularly the Ajmer bomb blasts of October 2007. It questions the initial attribution of the blasts to groups like HUJI and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, highlighting that three years later, an RSS functionary and associates were accused. The piece also points to a potential connection between the Ajmer blast and the Mecca Masjid blast in Hyderabad, suggesting that investigations were delayed due to the involvement of Hindu right-wing terror gangs. It discusses the pattern of terror attacks linked to RSS ideology and the challenges faced by investigation agencies due to inherent biases. The article notes a decrease in terror attacks after the arrest of culprits like Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and mentions other incidents involving groups like Hindu Jagran Samiti and Bajrang Dal, linking them to ideologies of Savarkar and Hedgewar.

• 60 years of Secularism in India by Innaiah Narisetti: This article analyzes the concept and practice of secularism in India since independence. It contrasts M.N. Roy's definition of secularism as the separation of state and religion with the Indian context, where political parties often dub it a 'Western' concept. The author discusses the interpretations of secularism by figures like Dr. Radhakrishnan and Jawaharlal Nehru, noting that Nehru could not fully implement it due to political and religious lobbies. The piece critiques the Indian Constitution's approach to secularism, particularly Article 25 (2) (a), and the 42nd amendment's preamble. It highlights how various political parties, including the Congress, Communist parties, and BJP, have compromised secular principles for political gain, often by patronizing religious practices, granting exemptions, and allowing religious establishments to gain power. The article also touches upon the role of cults and 'holy persons' in Indian politics and the challenges faced by secularism due to the misinterpretation and exploitation of religious freedom by various groups.

• Atheist Eve by Tracie Harris: This is a brief article, likely a personal reflection or commentary on atheism.

• Epistemology For Beginners by Ajita Kamal: This article aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of epistemology, the theory of knowledge, to a general audience.

• From the President of FIRA by Narendra Nayak: This section likely contains a message or commentary from the President of FIRA (Foundation for Rationalist Inquiry and Action).

• Book Review: Saga of a Rationalist Surgeon by Prabhakar Nanawaty: This is a review of an autobiography, likely focusing on a rationalist perspective.

• Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan: This article, featuring the renowned scientist Carl Sagan, likely discusses methods and principles for critical thinking and skepticism.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine consistently promotes skepticism, rationalism, and scientific temper. It critically examines issues related to religion, politics, and societal practices in India. The editorial stance appears to be one that questions dogma, challenges religious influence in public life, and advocates for evidence-based reasoning. Recurring themes include the critique of religious fundamentalism, the analysis of political compromises with religious interests, and the promotion of secular values and scientific inquiry. The magazine aims to provide a platform for rationalist discourse and critical analysis of contemporary issues in India.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated June 2010, delves into critical analyses of secularism, religion, philosophy, and rationalism in India. It features articles that question religious influence in public life, explore the nature of knowledge, and recount experiences of atheists and rationalists.

Future of Secularism in India

The lead article posits that India needs to actively practice secularism, which it defines as the clear separation of state and religion. It argues that religion should be a matter of individual faith, while the state must uphold laws that are equal for everyone, without exemptions for religious persons. The author criticizes the practice of judges and law enforcement officials openly showing religious devotion, suggesting it compromises justice and impartiality. The article also condemns religious crimes, misappropriation of funds, and sexual abuses, asserting that spiritual and religious persons should not be exempt from legal consequences. Furthermore, it calls for the eradication of practices like untouchability, child marriages, sati, and discrimination against minorities, women, and children. The piece advocates for scientific education from a primary level, excluding religious instruction from curricula. It suggests that minority rights concerning religion should be confined to the personal level, encompassing prayer, holidays, dress, and food habits, but not extending to civil law.

The article further elaborates on how religion has encroached into Indian politics and public life, vitiating moral life. It distinguishes religious values from ethics and human values, stating that religious beliefs lack verification and proof and should not be confused with human rights. It highlights the conflict between human rights, which emphasize equality, and religions that often adhere to texts preaching inequality between men and women. The author believes that India needs secular practices in all walks of life to achieve a futuristic stance and suggests that governments should observe secular holidays instead of religious ones.

The article critiques the approach of some Dalit activists who believe temple entry and training Dalits as priests will solve their problems, arguing that this merely perpetuates the Hindu caste system and karma theory. It points out that religious practices often defy Supreme Court orders, citing the use of loudspeakers in prayer halls and obstructions caused by religious constructions. The piece concludes that secular practices, human dignity, and morality are essential for India's future.

Role of Media

This section discusses alarming trends in electronic and print media, noting anti-secular attitudes. It criticizes the media for promoting unscientific beliefs, superstitions, and blind religious practices, giving undue publicity to horoscopes, astrological predictions, and alternative therapies. Despite government bans on some of these practices, the press continues to encourage them through advertisements. The article states that business interests dominate the media, overshadowing ethical values and secular morality. It mentions that organizations like the Center for Inquiry have appealed to the media to label unscientific claims as 'Not Proven Scientifically,' but their appeals have been ignored. The piece concludes that secularism has a long way to go in India but is essential for its future.

"My" Personal Beliefs (Atheist Eve)

This section features a comic strip by Tracie Harris, titled "Atheist Eve." The comic humorously depicts a Bible study class discussing the Book of Revelation and the interpretation of biblical texts. It touches upon the difficulties in understanding complex religious texts and the differing interpretations offered by religious authorities. The strip highlights the personal journey of questioning and seeking understanding, leading to the creation of "Atheist Eve" by Tracie Harris, a graphic designer from Austin, Texas, who is described as having undergone a "long, slow recovery from a rabid fundamentalist upbringing."

Philosophy With Selvi - What Is Knowledge? Epistemology For Beginners

Authored by Ajita Kamal, this article presents a philosophical dialogue between a mother, Sandanam, and her daughter, Selvi, exploring the concept of knowledge. The discussion delves into the nature of belief, truth, and justification. Selvi initially defines knowledge as "how the universe talks to us," which Sandanam refines by introducing the philosophical components of knowledge: belief, truth, and justification. They explore the difference between something being true and knowing it is true, emphasizing that truth must exist objectively, independent of an observer. The dialogue touches upon the role of evidence and the reliability of its source in forming justified beliefs. It introduces the concepts of internalist and externalist justifications and discusses how beliefs are interconnected and contribute to knowledge. The conversation also critiques the mystical interpretations of quantum physics by figures like Deepak Chopra, contrasting them with scientific reasoning. The article concludes by highlighting epistemology as the philosophical discipline that studies these questions.

From the President of FIRA: An Atheist in Periyar's Land

Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, recounts his experiences as an atheist and rationalist speaker in Tamil Nadu, a region historically influenced by the rationalist ideology of E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). Nayak describes his initial accidental interactions in Tamil Nadu, which led to a series of successful programs and lectures. He shares an anecdote about an event in Erode, held in an auditorium founded by Periyar, where he deliberately challenged the organizers' request not to speak about god by quoting Periyar's anti-god stance, which was met with thunderous applause. He details how his programs, initially organized by various groups, gained traction and attracted attention from diverse organizations, including trade unions and lawyers' associations. Nayak also recounts instances of opposition and threats he faced, such as an attempt to ban his talk celebrating Periyar's birthday, and how vested interests tried to portray his scientific temper programs as anti-Hindu. He emphasizes the impact of his work and the need for rationalist and atheist movements to continue their efforts in promoting scientific temper and challenging religious dogma.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of religion's role in society, particularly in India. There is a strong emphasis on secularism, rationalism, and the importance of scientific temper and human rights. The magazine appears to advocate for a clear separation of church and state, challenging religious dogma, superstitions, and the influence of religious figures in public life. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, empirical evidence, and logical reasoning over blind faith and unverified beliefs. The issue also highlights the challenges faced by atheists and rationalists in India and promotes the idea that spirituality and human connection can exist independently of religion.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated June 2010, features a strong emphasis on rationalism, skepticism, and critical thinking, with a particular focus on a review of an autobiography and an excerpt on scientific reasoning.

Periyar EVR's Quote

The issue opens with a powerful quote attributed to Periyar EVR, from 'Collected Works (2005)'. The quote questions the nature of belief and the concept of an omnipotent God, stating: "God has to be preached by one. It is not enough if one simply preaches. One must blindly believe what another preaches. Not only that. One must be made to believe god by force or compulsion. Unless one takes so much pain, poor god cannot enter the minds of others. Yet god is said to be omnipotent. What a pity?"

Review: Saga of a Rationalist Surgeon

The main feature of this issue is a review of the autobiography "Making of a Rural Surgeon" by Dr. Ravindranath R. Tongaonkar, written by Prabhakar Nanawaty. The review highlights Dr. Tongaonkar's exemplary 38-year career practicing surgery in Dondaicha, Maharashtra, a place described as having the disadvantages of both urban and rural conditions. Despite lacking basic infrastructure like transport, communication, and sanitation, Dr. Tongaonkar chose to serve the rural population, possibly fulfilling his father's legacy of social service. His father was a Gandhian who believed in simplicity and hard work, and his mother was a schoolteacher and motivator. His wife, Asha, also a medical graduate, played a crucial role in managing the administrative aspects of the rural hospital, allowing him to focus on surgery.

The review details the challenges Dr. Tongaonkar faced, including the lack of awareness of medical care in rural areas and the poverty that distances the sick from physicians. He started his practice from scratch, establishing the hospital, operation theatre, and acquiring surgical facilities. He gained expertise in various medical branches out of necessity and used common sense to solve problems. The book apparently offers practical tips on improving rural hospitals, surgical skills, finance, tax planning, and doctor-patient relationships.

Dr. Tongaonkar is portrayed as a rationalist who argues against the concept of God and soul, advocating for scientific research and evidence-based practices. He dismisses unscientific treatments and emphasizes the importance of surgery for conditions like hernia. The review also touches upon his role as president of the Andhshraddha Nirmoolan Samitee (ANS) in the Dhule District Unit and his contributions to rural development, including the issue of Un-Banked Directed Blood Transfusion (UDBT).

The autobiography is described as reading like an interesting novel, offering insights into making a person who is hardworking, methodical, humane, and rational. Dr. Tongaonkar's son has taken over his practice, continuing the legacy.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking

This section features an excerpt from Carl Sagan's essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection," from his book "The Demonhaunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark." The excerpt outlines key tenets of skeptical thinking:

• Independent Confirmation: Seek independent confirmation of facts.
• Substantive Debate: Encourage debate on evidence by knowledgeable proponents.
• Question Authority: "Authorities" have made mistakes; in science, there are experts, not absolute authorities.
• Multiple Hypotheses: Spin more than one hypothesis and devise tests to disprove them. The one that survives disproof is more likely to be correct.
• Avoid Attachment: Do not get overly attached to your own hypothesis; compare it fairly with alternatives.
• Quantify: Use numerical quantities to discriminate between hypotheses; vague and qualitative issues are harder to assess.
• Chain of Argument: Every link in an argument must hold true.
• Occam's Razor: Choose the simpler hypothesis when two explain the data equally well.
• Falsifiability: Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable in principle. Skeptics should be able to duplicate experiments and verify results.

Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha

A notice is included for the Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association), announcing their monthly lectures and discussions. Contact information is provided for Dr. M.N. Keshava Rao, A.S. Nataraj, and BVV Subba Rao.

Buddha's Wisdom

The issue concludes with a quote attributed to Buddha, emphasizing critical examination of beliefs:

"Believe nothing
Merely because you have been told it
Or because it is traditional
Or because you yourself have imagined it
Do not believe what your teacher tells you
merely out of respect for the teacher
But whatever, after due examination and
analysis
You find to be conducive to the good,
the benefit,
The welfare of all beings
that doctrine believe and cling to
and take it as your guide."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are rationalism, skepticism, critical thinking, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance clearly promotes a scientific and logical approach to understanding the world, challenging dogma and superstition, and valuing empirical evidence and intellectual honesty. The review of Dr. Tongaonkar's autobiography and the excerpt from Carl Sagan's work both strongly advocate for a rationalist perspective in personal and scientific endeavors.