Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational -but how much does it cost you to knock on wood? – Judith Viorst
Richest Babas: Superstitions, intolerance on the rise in New India
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Rahul Kumar, Ph.D*
Samaj Weekly, UK– Since 2014, India is witnessing a swift rise of wealthy Babas. Superstitious beliefs, bigotry have assumed the color of violence. According to Article 51 of Indian constitution, every citizen has a fundamental duty to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. It is unfortunate that despite under oath of the constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen promoting superstitions on several occasions.
During Ram temple inauguration at Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister bows to a Hindu priest and lie down on the floor it shows that he himself is an unscientific person who not only believe strongly in superstitions but also becomes a role model for all social classes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dived into the Arabian sea for a darshan of the submerged city of Dwarka , believed to have been the abode of Lord Krishna after he defeated his maternal uncle and king Kansa in Mathura. Such unscientific acts on behalf of Prime Minister of India degrade India`s international image. No Prime Minister even of chauvinist and fanatic Middle East country does such acts. Irish stateman Edmund Burke, “Superstition is the religion of feeble mind”.
India is the only country in the world where a majority educated and uneducated see a huge wealth in Hindu temples and foundations. Donations to such richest Babas come not only from poor people but also corporates, politicians are seen donating a huge money. India is the only country in the world where state governments are seen promoting Hindu religion and Hindu temples.
In any country of the world, the state does not propagate any particular religion but in India, the state is behind creation of Babas who are used for political purposes.
The richest Babas own television channels from where they propagate various kind of superstitious beliefs. Babas are successful in creating fear and insecurities in the minds of gullible people who flock to them in million. See the case of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, age 27, years. A million of followers including politicians, business tycoons and bureaucrats are seen bowing their heads in front of him.
A majority of richest Baba travel by chartered flights. They are found staying in 07-star hotels. They are visiting foreign countries and spend their time lavishly whereas the poor followers are struggling to meet both ends. The role in politics of such Babas behind the curtain can be very much seen. Rather, it is appropriate to say that Babas in India are actively taking parts in daily politics and entering into the Parliament of India. In every social space they propagate superstition. A study by Shagufa Naaz and others found that many crimes have emerged in Indian in the name of superstitions such as rape, murder, defamation, loot etc. They further argue, “ Superstition flourishes only in dark age. Superstitious men cannot achieve success in life because superstition breeds a defeatist mentality”.[1].
Hindu temples are getting lot of funds which are majorly not used for the welfare of common people. Some richest Baba claim to run schools, colleges and universities but in these institutions only the rich students get admission. Similarly, some richest Babas claim that they run Non-Government Organization (NGO) for welfare activities but a majority of such NGOs misuse their funds for political fundings. The tax evasion is common in such NGOs. India has certain laws for some superstition crimes but are not implemented properly. It is unfortunate temple tax bill in Karnataka failed.
The dominance of priestly class is proving dangerous for democratic, secular India. From rural to urban area, the priestly class is enslaving the minds of youths. Even the educated youths are falling prey to the greedy paws of the priestly class and making up their minds that in religion there is a vast wealth rather in jobs. If this is not stopped by central and state governments, the day will come in the history of India when a youth will not go to IITs. He or she will prefer to open an ashram, temple or trust and propagate superstition and make live a luxurious life with power.
When the world is moving forward towards progress with the help of technology, we are limiting ourselves by following superstitious beliefs, therefore superstition is a great hindrance to scientific development. The sooner the Government takes corrective measures and stop pampering the Babas for political ends the better for India it would be. Gurleen Kaur Sethi and Navreet Kaur Saini concluded in their cross -sectional survey consisting of 285 adult females at village Dadlana, Panipat, Haryana found that, the only cure unnecessary superstition is education and knowledge[2]”.
*Dr. Rahul Kumar, Ph.D. in sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi (India). He is editor of Bheem Patrika. The views expressed in this article are personal.
[1] https://patnawomenscollege.in/upload/Explore%20vol%20XI%202/detal/d10-min.pdf.
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337421659_Prevalence_of_Superstitions_in_Indian_Society_in_21_st_Century.
