Brights Kerala: A Declaration from the Deathbed

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Declaration from the Deathbed

Mr. Basava Premanand was born in Kozhikkode in the southern part of Kerala in India on February 17^th, 1930. He toured villages of India and exposed the claims of miracles which were used by self styled gurus and charlatans. Since Sai Baba was the most notorious in the field, he directed all his energies to educate the masses exposing his trick of materialization of objects. After Abraham T Kovoor, he was the most popular guru buster in India. While he was in deathbed, his friends Prof. Narendra Naik and Mr. Somu Rao , to avert possible rumors that could be fabricated later by propagandists of superstitions, conveyed to him their anxiety. In the presence of Dr.Maya Prabhu (his sister) and Suneera one of his admirers, B. Premanand signed and let his thumb impression be affixed on the following declaration.

Malayalam translation of the same together with an explanation of the context by Dr. Narendra Naik are also furnished below.

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

Declaration of attitude and temperament

I, B. Premanand s/o late Sri Basava Prabhu, 80 years of age resident Chettipalayam Road, Podanur, sound of mind though suffering from physical complications caused by metastases in many organs caused by carcinoma of the stomach herein solemnly wish to place on record the following:

1. I have been closely associated with the rationalist movement from 1975 onwards and have been a rationalist of full conviction since then and continue to be so.

2. It is common for the purveyors of superstitions and such anti rational forces to start spreading rumors about rationalists turning to god and other supernatural forces at the end of their lives and becoming devotees of gods and god men of various types.

3. It is also claimed that at times of crises that we staunch rationalists through the major part of our lives, turn to spiritualism and religion.

4. I wish to clarify that as on today the twentieth of September,2009 I remain a staunch rationalist and wish to place on record the following:

a. I continue to be a rationalist of full conviction.

b. I do not believe in any supernatural power. All the powers that we encounter are in the realm of nature and nothing exists beyond that.

c. I do not believe in the existence of the soul or rebirth.

d. I have not turned to any religion, god or any sort of spiritual pursuits.

e. When I pass away I shall be leaving only my body which is to be donated to a medical college and no spirit or soul to cause problems for the living.

I want to convey to all that the struggle against the exploitation by god men and so called supernatural forces is a long and hard one but the ultimate victory will be ours.

My very survival has been a challenge to astrologers and their so called "science" of astrology, as they had all predicted that I would die soon after birth and refused to cast a horoscope for me.

I wish to convey to my colleagues of the rationalist movement to continue the work that I have been doing with renewed vigor and that will be the best of tributes for me.

Abhirami Hospital

Podanur (B. Premanand)

അഭിരാമി ആശുപത്രിയില്‍ മരണക്കിടക്കയില്‍ നിന്ന് ശ്രീ ബസവ പ്രേമാനന്ദ് ഒപ്പ് വെച്ച പ്രസ്താവന

(In order to be able to read the following text in Malayalam, you will need to have ML Karthika font installed in your computer)

_Ô-s¸« FÃm-hÀ¡pw

ico-c-Øn-Xnbpw am\-kn-I-\n-ebpw kw_-Ôn¨ {]kvXm-h\

]tc-X-\mb {io _kh {]`p-hnsâ ]p{X-\pw, Bam-i-b-¯nse AÀ_p-Z-P-\y-amb Akp-J-§-fmÂ imco-cnI hnj-a-X-IÄ A\p-`-hn-¡p-¶pWvsS¦nepw Ct¸mgpw ZrV-a-\-kvI-\p-am-b, t]m¯-¶q-cnÂ tKm]n-s¨-«n-¸m-fbw tdmUnÂ Xma-kn-¡p-¶, 80 hb-Êp-Å, t{]am-\µv F¶ Rm³, Xmsg ]d-bp¶ hkvXp-X-IÄ \nb-am-\p-krXw tcJ-s¸-Sp-¯m³ B{K-ln-¡p-¶p.

1. Rm³ 1975 apXÂ bpàn-hmZn {]Øm-\-§-fpsS k´X kl-Nm-cn-bpw, ]qÀ®-a-\-tÊmsS bpàn-hm-Zn-bmbn XpS-cp-¶-bm-fpw, A{]-Imcw Xs¶ XpS-cp-hm³ Dt±-in-¡p¶ hyàn-bp-am-Wv.

2. bpàn-hm-Zn-Ifpw Pohn-X-¯nsâ A´y-L-«-¯nÂ ssZh-¯n-te¡pw aäp {]Ir-Xy-XoX iàn-I-fn-te¡pw Xncn-bp-¶pWvsS¶pw, ssZh-§-fp-sSbpw a\p-jy-ssZ-h-§-fp-sSbpw `à-cm-hp-¶pWvsS¶pw, Hcp Inwh-Z-´n, bpàn-hmZ hncp-²-i-àn-I-fpw, AÔ-hn-izm-k-§Ä ]d-ªp-]-c-¯p-¶-h-cpw, km[m-c-W-bmbn {]N-cn-¸n-¡p¶pWvSv.

3. Pohn-X-¯nÂ Gdn-b-]¦pw bpàn-hm-Zn-I-fmbn Ign-ª-hcpw {]Xn-kÔn t\cn-Sp¶ L«-§-fnÂ Bßo-b-X-bn-te¡pw aX-¯n-te¡pw Xncn-bp-¶pWvsS¶pw AhÀ Ah-Im-i-s¸-Sp-¶p.

4. AXn-\mÂ {InkvXp-hÀjw 2009 sk]vXw-_À amkw 20þmw Xnb-Xn-bmb C¶v, Dd¨ bpàn-hm-Zn-bmbn Ct¸mgpw XpS-cp-I-bm-sW¶v hyà-am-¡m-\pw, Xmsg ]d-bp¶ Imcy-§Ä tcJ-s¸-Sp-¯m\pw Rm³ B{K-ln-¡p-¶p.

a) Rm\n¶pw AN-©-e-Nn-¯-\mb Hcp bpàn-hm-Zn-bm-Wv.

b) Hcp {]Ir-Xy-XoX iàn-bnepw Rm³ hniz-kn-¡p-¶n-Ã. \ap¡v t\cn-tSWvSn hcp-¶-sXÃmw {]IrXn iàn-I-sf-bmWv. AXn-\-¸pdw H¶pw \ne-\nÂ¡p-¶n-Ã.

c) Bßm-hnsâ AkvXn-Xz-¯ntem ]p\ÀP-·-¯ntem Rm³ hniz-kn-¡p-¶n-Ã.

d) Fsâ a\Êv aX-¯n-te¡pw ssZh-¯n-te¡pw Bßo-b-X-bn-te¡pw Ct¸mgpw Xncn-ªn-«n-Ã.

e) Rm³ acn-¨mÂ Ah-ti-jn-¡p-¶Xv Fsâ icocw am{X-am-bn-cn-¡pw. Pohn-¡p-¶-hsc iey-s¸-Sp-¯m³ Bßmthm t{]Xtam DWvSmhn-Ã. icocw Hcp saUn-¡Â tImtf-Pn\p Zm\w sN¿-Ww.

a\p-jy-ssZ-h-§-fp-sS-bpw, {]Ir-Xy-XoX iàn-I-sf¶p hnfn-¡-s¸-Sp-¶-h-bp-sSbpw Nqj-W-¯n-s\-Xn-sc-bpÅ \½psS kacw \oWvSXpw ITn-\-hp-am-sW-¦nepw A´na hnPbw \½p-sS-Xm-sW¶ hnizmkw FÃm-hÀ¡pw ]IÀ¶p \ÂIm³ Rm³ B{K-ln-¡p-¶p.

Rm³ Aev]m-bp-Êm-sW¶p {]h-Nn-¡p-Ibpw AXn-\m-sesâ PmXIw Ipdn-¡m³ hnk-½-Xn-¡p-Ibpw sNbvX tPymXn-jn-IÄ¡pw Ah-cpsS tPymXnj "imkv{X'¯n\pw Hcp shÃp-hn-fn-bm-bn-cp¶p Fsâ \oWvS PohnXw Xs¶.

C¡m-e-a-{Xbpw Rm³ sNbvXp sImWvSncp¶ Imcy-§Ä IqSp-XÂ DuÀP-kz-e-X-tbmsS XpS-c-W-sa¶p am{X-amWv bpàn-hmZ {]Øm-\-¯nse kl-{]-hÀ¯-I-tcmSv F\n¡p ]d-bm-\p-Å-Xv. F\n¡p \ÂIp¶ Gähpw \Ã kvac-Wm-Úen AXm-bn-cn-¡pw.

A`n--cman tlmkv]n-äÂ,

t]m¯-¶qÀ.

_n. t{]am-\µv (H-¸v)

(hnhÀ¯\w : Hmsb³)

*************************************************************************

Explanation of the context:

Premanand in Abhirami Hospital,Coimbatore

Narendra Nayak

Premanands health has been failing since quite some time. The metastases from hic carcinoma of the stomach had been growing for quite time and it was only a matter time before his health would get seriously affected. Last week that happened and he had to be hospitalized. All his vital organs have been affected and particularly the liver and kidneys. However, his brain and his ideology are still intact and we wanted the world to know about it and make a declaration on his behalf that it remains so.

So, Somu and I went to Podanur on the 20^th September and then on to the Abirami hospital where he had been admitted. He was quite drowsy and not responding to queries until I told him that there was a rumour that he has started believing in god and supernatural powers. He opened his eyes and said who says that? And that was the clear indication that we however ill we may be continue to hold on to our convictions! He said that is nonsense. So, I told him that we should say so to the world and he agreed. The statement reproduced herein was put for his signature. But, his hands were weak and hence we had to take his thumb impression too. The declaration has been witnessed by Dr.Maya Prabhu his sister and Suneera one of his admirers who has been taking care of him.

Our movement is not based on individuals but, those who are in the forefront are ever in the public eye and particularly in sights of those who want to attack us. They would like to spread rumors that eminent rationalists have changed on their death bed, have gone back to god and spiritualism etc. We do not want to give any occasion for such rumors and hence though it may sound morbid I had to this task. I would like that to be done to me when I am on my death bed so that all can know that we hold on to our convictions what ever the circumstances may be.

This short report is a bulletin on the health of one of those who have inspired a whole generation and have done significant work to build up the movement. As and when news is received I shall make more such communications.

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The fundamentals of modern Humanism

In 1952, at the first World Humanist Congress, the founding fathers of IHEU agreed a statement of the fundamental principles of modern Humanism. They called it "The Amsterdam Declaration". That declaration was a child of its time: set in the world of great power politics and the Cold War.

The 50th anniversary World Humanist Congress in 2002, again meeting in the Netherlands, unanimously passed a resolution updating that declaration: "The Amsterdam Declaration 2002". Following the Congress, this updated declaration was adopted unanimously by the IHEU General Assembly, and thus became the official defining statement of World Humanism.

Amsterdam Declaration 2002

Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that has inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself.

The fundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows:

Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external sanction.
Humanism is rational. It seeks to use science creatively, not destructively. Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action rather than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values. Science gives us the means but human values must propose the ends.
Humanism supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracy and human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restricted to methods of government.
Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person responsible to society, and recognises our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world. Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.
Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all time, and many seek to impose their world-views on all of humanity. Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process. of observation, evaluation and revision.
Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognises the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.
Humanism is a lifestance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere.

Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion, we have confidence that we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.

IHEU Congress 2002.

Visit : International Humanist and Ethical Union

United Nations Draft Declaration of Human Rights

United Nations Draft Declaration of Human Rights

Preamble

Whereas, the realization in practice of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights depends on the intellectual and emotional acceptance by the people of the universal human values on which these rights are founded,

Whereas, disregard and contempt for human values have resulted in barbarous acts that have outraged the conscience of humanity,

Whereas, it is essential to promote the development and acceptance of basic human values by the peoples of all nations to usher in a world order based on freedom, truth, reason, and compassion,

Whereas, the people of the United Nations have in the Charter and the Universal declaration of Human Rights affirmed their faith in the dignity and worth of the human person and have determined to promote social and cultural progress in peace and harmony, and

Whereas, the common understanding and acceptance of these universal human values is of the greatest importance for the realization of this pledge;

Now therefore the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Values as a common ideal of attainment for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every section of society, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these values and make all efforts, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition among the peoples of the world.

ARTICLES

Article 1:

Source of Values: Dignity of the human person as an autonomous agent endowed with reason is the ultimate source of all values.

Article 2:

Reason: Reason is an essential human faculty in promoting the progress of human kind enabling human beings to have a world view that motivates their thoughts and actions. Cultivation of rational thinking is, therefore, an intrinsic human value.

Article 3:

Critical Intelligence: The essential nature of human beings is to question, examine, and understand. It is necessary to subject all beliefs to the scrutiny of reason and critical intelligence, in order to eliminate error. An unexamined belief is not worth having.

Article 4:

Truth: The aim of all rational thought is the discovery of truth. Truth consists of beliefs about reality resulting from rational thinking and experience. Quest for truth is, therefore, a supreme human value.

Article 5:

Tolerance: Tolerance of differing ideas and viewpoints is essential for the discovery of truth. Absence of tolerance leads to denial of freedom and the suppression of creativity. Tolerance is, therefore, a basic human value.

Article 6:

Creativity : All social progress is the result of human creativity. Rooted in the individuality of a human being, creativity can flourish only in an atmosphere of freedom.

Article 7:

Freedom: Respect for the dignity of the human person demands that the freedom of every human being ought to be ensured in all spheres of life, consistent with the freedom of all.

Article 8:

Equality: Respect for the human person implies that all human beings shall be treated as equal in dignity and rights irrespective of race, nationality, belief or non-belief, colour, gender, age, or sexual orientation.

Article 9:

Justice: The principle of justice which dictates equal consideration for the well being of every individual shall inform all social institutions and relations between individuals.

Article 10:

Humankind and Nature: Man being a part of nature necessitates his living in harmony with it. Concern for all life and the quality of the environment ought to guide all human activities.

Article 11:

Universal Culture : It should be the aim of all human endeavor to evolve a universal human culture based on freedom, reason, and compassion.

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Resist Totalitarianism

Resist Totalitarianism spread by Islamism which is nurtured by fear and frustration

A group of 12 writers have put their names to a statement in French weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo warning against Islamic "totalitarianism".

The text in full:

After having overcome fascism, Nazism, and Stalinism, the world now faces a new global totalitarian threat: Islamism.

We, writers, journalists, intellectuals, call for resistance to religious totalitarianism and for the promotion of freedom, equal opportunity and secular values for all.

Recent events, prompted by the publication of drawings of Muhammad in European newspapers, have revealed the necessity of the struggle for these universal values.

This struggle will not be won by arms, but in the ideological field.

It is not a clash of civilisations nor an antagonism between West and East that we are witnessing, but a global struggle that confronts democrats and theocrats.

Like all totalitarian ideologies, Islamism is nurtured by fear and frustration.

Preachers of hatred play on these feelings to build the forces with which they can impose a world where liberty is crushed and inequality reigns.

But we say this, loud and clear: nothing, not even despair, justifies choosing darkness, totalitarianism and hatred.

Islamism is a reactionary ideology that kills equality, freedom and secularism wherever it is present.

Its victory can only lead to a world of injustice and domination: men over women, fundamentalists over others.

On the contrary, we must ensure access to universal rights for the oppressed or those discriminated against.

We reject the "cultural relativism" which implies an acceptance that men and women of Muslim culture are deprived of the right to equality, freedom and secularism in the name of the respect for certain cultures and traditions.

We refuse to renounce our critical spirit out of fear of being accused of "Islamophobia", a wretched concept that confuses criticism of Islam as a religion and stigmatisation of those who believe in it.

We defend the universality of the freedom of expression, so that a critical spirit can exist in every continent, towards each and every maltreatment and dogma.

We appeal to democrats and free spirits in every country that our century may be one of light and not dark.

Signed by:

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Chahla Chafiq

Caroline Fourest

Bernard-Henri Levy

Irshad Manji

Mehdi Mozaffari

Maryam Namazie

Taslima Nasreen

Salman Rushdie

Antoine Sfeir

Philippe Val

Ibn Warraq

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4764730.stm

Brights Kerala

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Declaration from the Deathbed

(In order to be able to read the following text in Malayalam, you will need to have ML Karthika font installed in your computer)

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