JREF Swift Blog

Sad News & an Uplifting Declaration

I have received a report from N. Innaiah, Chairman of CFI India, and M. Subba Rao, concerning the condition of our colleague Basava Premanand, the revered and justly famous Indian rationalist with whom I have had the honor to be associated for many decades. Premanand is the publisher of "The Indian Skeptic," a journal devoted to exposing the tricks of such frauds as Sai Baba, who is worshiped as a living god by countless naifs around the world. The excellent documentary film "Guru Busters" by British film maker Robert Eagle shows Premanand and his crew zealously exposing supposedly supernatural stunts such as levitation, flesh-piercing and live burials.

Premanand is now hospitalized with a terminal condition, his friends are caring for him, but he's not lost any of his zeal or determination to maintain his rational philosophy. The report says, concerning a hospital visit:

He was quite drowsy and not responding to queries until I told him that there was a rumor 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, however ill we may continue to hold onto 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 the 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 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 whatever 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.

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN





Declaration of attitude and temperament

I, B. Premanand son of the late Sri Basava Prabhu, 80 years of age, resident of 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.

The declaration is signed and thumb-printed by this noble warrior... What could I possibly add?