Committee sought to revise anti-superstition bill

Govt should also refer to bills of other states, says Nidumamidi seer

Nidumamidi mutt pontiff Veerabhadra Channamalla Swami stressed on the need to set up a committee for revision of the draft on anti-superstition bill and initiate a discussion on it.

He was speaking at a seminar on the ill effects of superstitious beliefs on society, organised by AIUTC, at Am bedkar Bhavan in the town
on Sunday.

The seer the State government has been urged to set up the committee. The government has procured two drafts of the bill. It should also refer to the drafts prepared by the Maharastra and Kerala governments to incorporate refinements in the final draft, he said.

The government has also been advised to consult religious leaders from all communities, Opposition party members and media personnel, before finalising the bill.

Meaningless customs spoil the health of the society. Rolling on food leftovers on banana leaves is such a practice. Instead, doctors can be appointed at the temples to provide treatment to those suffering from skin diseases, the seer said.

‘Appoint doctors’
Similarly while observing Moharram, Muslims pierce hooks into their bodies and beat themselves to sacrifice blood. Instead, the same blood can be donated to remember the sacrifice of their ancestors. Also, the belief that only by performing vows and prayers at Dargahs and churches can cure diseases should be eradicated, he said and suggested appointment of doctors at Dargahs and churches to cure patients, before performing prayers.

Progressive thinker Dr Siddanagowda Patil alleged that astrologers have been using media to exploit innocent people.

The superstitious beliefs are also being propagated in social, financial and political fronts, he said and urged the government that it should seriously think about implementing the anti-superstition bill.

Kannada Sene district president P C Rajegowda, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike district president Teguru Jagadish, CPI leader Radha Sundaresh, H M Renukaradhya, Raitha Sangha-Hasiru Sene leader R R Mahesh, journalist Dinesh Patawardhan and educationist Dr Vinayaka Sindhigere were present.