Indian Atheist Day
| Indian Atheist Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Atheist, Rational, Humanistic Organisations in India |
| Significance | The day Shahid Bhagat Singh was executed on 23 March 1931 |
| Celebrations | Conferences, Meets, Speeches etc various programs. |
| Date | 23 March |
| Next time | 23 March 2025 |
| Frequency | annual |
Indian Atheist Day is a day of national importance all over in India. It is known as a Shahid Day also. This day has been promoted by various Atheist, Rational, Humanistic Organisations in India to propagate atheism, humanism, free and humanistic thinking and to bring Indian Atheists together. It is a holiday in some states in India. This Day is associated with execution to death of Shahid Bhagat Singh on 23 March 1931.[1]
Background[edit]
Shahid Bhagat Singh is an inspiring personality for all Indians for his martyrdom during struggle for the independence. As well as he is evergreen ideal for the Atheists in India because of his strong views about Atheism also. His booklet "Why I am an Atheist" is a famous document showing his devotion towards atheism .[2] That is why many of the atheist organisations came together to launch 23 March as an Indian Atheist Day. After the common confirmation and unanimous decision non-believers from Mumbai and Pune formed an website http://maharashtraatheist.com/ was inaugurated by a veteran film and theatre actor Dr Shriram Lagoo .[3] marathi newspaper loksatta[4] published articles[5][6] debate[7] on atheism.
First Observance[edit]
The first observance of this day was held at the University of Mumbai’s suburban Kalina campus. Around 400 freethinkers and non-believers from various states had participated in the meet. Mr Narendra Nayak, President of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) was a chief guest. Among the main speakers were Mr Babu Gogineni Secretary of International Humanist and Ethical Union IHEU Committee on Universal Value, Famous atheist writer Sharad Bedekar, Author and an activist Comrade Prakash Reddy, Mr George, HOD of Political Science of Mumbai University, Mr Manoj John, Secretary of Mumbai Rationalist Association, Mr J. V. Pawar, veteran Ambedkarite author. During the program it is resolved that this day i.e. 23 March shall be observed as an Indian Atheist Day every year throughout the country by the participated organisations.[8][9] This day was also observed at Pune in Maharashtra and Panaji in Goa also. Mr Somu Rao, Representative of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), Mr Yagyeshwar Nigalye, Leader of Goa Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti etc. has taken initiative for celebration of this day.[10]
Yearly Observance[edit]
Various atheist, non-believer, rational, freethinker organisations have decided to observe this day every year in all the major cities in India. In 2014 it was observed in Pune and Panajim also along with Mumbai.[11]
Atheist Manifesto[edit]
We believe that no supernatural power controls/affects nature and human life. Shaheed Bhagatsingh said – ‘My atheism is thoughtfully accepted without any pride’. We echo his thoughts with utmost humility and without any religious or political stance. Our stand is protected by the honourable Indian constitution (Article 25) that has awarded the right to all Indian citizens to assert nonexistence of God along with the right to worship any god. Our stand is commonly categorized as Atheism and we are known as Atheists. We also identify ourselves as agnostics, rationalists, skeptics and/or freethinkers, due to diversity of thoughts. Atheism has existed since time immemorial, and so has its contribution in social development, art, literature and science. Atheism has played pivotal roles in multiple fields including politics. Through this manifesto, we declare our solidarity with all atheists and like-minded thinkers. .
References[edit]
- ↑ "BIOGRAPHY OF SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH". Wikipedia.
- ↑ "Why I am an Atheist". Bhagat Singh Internet Archive.
- ↑ "Actor Dr Sriram Lagu inaugurates an online atheist community in Pune". DNA.
- ↑ http://www.loksatta.com
- ↑ http://www.loksatta.com/vishesh-news/truth-is-base-of-atheism-408895/
- ↑ http://www.loksatta.com/sampadkiya-news/atheism-essential-no-logical-thinking-increases-theist-567882/
- ↑ http://www.loksatta.com/vishesh-news/necessity-of-atheism-565246/
- ↑ "Nothing immoral in being atheist". The Hindu.
- ↑ "First Atheist Mela in Mumbai". Lokasatta.
- ↑ "Humanistic Atheist Conference". Tarun_Bharat.
- ↑ "First Atheist Mela in Mumbai". Lokasatta.
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