For the past 6 months or so, I have been associated with Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (ANS), an organization that aims to promote rational thought in society and works for the elimination of superstitions, blind faith & customs. Many social movements tend to peak in about 3 years since inception and then tend to die out in another 3-5 years. However the ANS has been at work for a remarkable 20+ years.
This is especially admirable cause the ANS deals with sensitive issues like caste, religion & customs and so is regularly under attack from various right wing & extremist groups from all castes & religions.
The ANS is often perceived as an anti-religion organization, however from my interactions I have noted that the bulk of its work is in the field of stopping customs like black magic and trying to cultivate a scientific attitude amongst the youth. It also spends some effort in trying to expose “god men” reported of exploiting their followers.
The all inclusive nature of ANS is something I have found especially striking & impressive. It has cadres & leaders from all castes, religions & parts of Maharashtra. This is one aspect I particularly like, as I get to meet, interact & hear the thoughts of people from very backgrounds than mine.
ANS is holding a 3 day convention to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the organization, look back at its achievements & failings and plan for the future. The event promises to provide tons of food for thought from distinguished personalities in various walks of life. Please find the detailed invite & schedule below.
The lineup of speakers includes many well known names like Medha Patkar, Jabbar Patel, Kumar Ketkar, Narendra Dabholkar, Mohan Dharia, Baba Adhav, Govind Pansare, Shriram Lagu, Pushpa Bhave, Atul Kulkarni, Anil Awachat, Uttam Kamble, RR Patil…
Strangely enough, I have found that the ANS has least reach & penetration amongst the (urban, educated, well-off, English speaking youth). Considering most of you reading this would fit that description 🙂 , do share the event info in relevant forums, friends & family. Most non-Maharashtrians & non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra understand Marathi well enough to be able to make sense of proceedings at the event. So language need not stop you.
I look forward to meeting you at the ANS convention. Hope to live tweet as & when possible, with the hashtag #ANS20
Dates: 14,15,16 Jan 2011
Venue: ShivShankar Karyalay, 698 Paygude Baug, Maharshi nagar, Gultekdi, (Near Swargate), Pune (MAP)
Dear harshad,
My name is Purva mu caste is Gomantak Maratha, i my into a relationship with a guy who is a GSB. Initially there was oppose from his parents side , as i was not from his caste. Also before we met , lot many astrologers had tld him, that his married life , will not good..Finally they decided to take “Devicha Kaul” at ShantaDurga Kawle Goa.. They have been believing in this practice for a long time & had done such acts in past.. The important thing is that the Kaul was on a negative , which in turn, they had ask both of us to be separate. Since my boyfriend had seen these things happening since child hood, he to believes in it. This has over the period of time affected him psychologically & has a grip him with fear for taking any step in terms of Personal or professional life..
would request you to give me some highlights on the subject of ” Devicha Kaul”…
regards
Purva
Sorry for the delayed reply. I would suggest you call up an ANiS representative closest to you . You can find contact numbers of Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti at
http://antisuperstition.org/index.php/contact-us
Thank you for this great post! It has been extremely helpful. I hope that you will continue posting your wisdom with us.
sir i m priyanka from pune pashan and i have a strong doubt on my family that is really breathtaking in the names of god power….i am not able to contact u can u please go onn with my email account bhosale.aradhya@rediffmail.com…..please sir try to contact me i really want to show people wat oll actully happens in our india.
You can find contact numbers of Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti at http://antisuperstition.org/index.php/contact-us
The ANiS Pune weekly meeting is held at Sadhana Media Center, opposite Shaniwar Peth Police Chowki, Pune at 6pm on every Monday
Hope that helps.
Thanks for sharing this.