This last week we have honored the many heroes who marched on Washington 50 years ago on August 28th for Jobs and Freedom. The dramatic changes we have seen in our nation from 1963 to 2013 should give us optimism that society can change while at the same time we should recognize that work remains to be done to ensure that opportunity to realize one’s dreams is available to the many, for the “black custodian, the white steelworker and the immigrant dishwasher” to quote President Obama. Others who spoke mentioned the killing of Trayvon Martin, and the Supreme Court’s overturning part of the Voter Rights Act of 1964 to remind us that the fight to end discrimination is ongoing. A more recent battle, the fight for marriage equality is gaining ground, but much work remains to be done.
The work for justice and equality does not come without costs. Many people lost their lives during the struggle for civil rights in the South. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr lost his life as did Medgar Evers, and four little girls attending church in Birmingham, Alabama, and countless others who died, or were seriously injured. Today we still see evidence of racism against African Americans, and the internet gives voice to those who many think have lost their voice. The fight goes on, and the struggle continues.
On August 24th a man who fought superstition in India was murdered by two men who shot him at point-blank range. Dr. Narenda Dabholkar, an atheist, waged a 27 year war against superstition in Indian culture. He quit his work as a doctor to show how many “miracles” were nothing more than magic, tricks played out by gurus and black magic practitioners. He founded a group called “the Committee for the Eradication of Blind Faith” which travelled around India to debunk practices such as laying on a bed of nails.
Dr. Dabholkar’s work and now his death culminated in the signing of an “anti-black magic” bill by the governor of his home state of Maharashtra, a bill which the doctor had promoted for 14 years. During his life Dr. Dabholkar also fought for women’s rights, and to protect the environment. You may read more about his life and work in the New York Times from August 24 titled “Battling Superstition, Indian Paid With His Life.”
I do not equate religion with superstition. The passion of the civil rights movement was fueled in part from those who drew inspiration from their religion, as well as those who did not hold any religious views. Dr. Dabholkar’s work pushed back against a blind superstition which robs the poor of their money as well as the tools they need to be a part of modern India where education, science, and technology are paving a better future.
