The World Atheist Conference 2018 commenced here with an emphasis on setting right inequalities in the society, quelling superstitions, and propagating rationalistic thinking.

Titled ‘Atheism - Hope of Humanity’, the three-day program organised jointly by the Dravidar Kazhagam, Atheist Centre, Vijayawada and The Rationalists’ Forum witnessed delegates representing rationalist organisations in different parts of India and other countries, taking part in the inaugural and plenary sessions, and presenting their views on an array of topics that included atheism, religious fundamentalism, and medicine and atheism.

Presiding over, K. Veeramani, president, Dravidar Kazhagam, said atheism in India means much beyond non-belief in supernatural and religious rituals, and that the prime focus was on rectifying untouchability in the society perpetuated in the name of religion, and denial of education on the basis of birth. A. Raja, former Union Minister of Telecommunication, said he has been deriving inner strength from atheism.

Gary McLelland, Chief Executive, International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), London, and Avinash Patil, Executive President, Maharashtra Andhrashraddha Nirmoolan Samithi, Pune, Maharashtra, were the other guest speakers.

Elizabeth O' Cassey, Director of Advocasy - IHEU, Brussels, Belgium, inaugurated an exhibition of books at the Atheist Book Centre.

Rustam Singh, Atheist Alliance International, USA; Suba Veerapandian, General Secretary, Dravidian Tamil Federation; and S. Rajaratnam, Pro-Chancellor, Periyar Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Vallam, Thanjavur also spoke.

Five books were released on the occasion: ‘Bhagavad Gita - Myth or Mirage,’ and ‘March of Atheism’ authored by Mr. Veeramani, Compilation of 'Old Testament of Indian Atheism' by Surendra Anjat, ‘Essays on Matters which Matter’ (A Rationalist's Perception) by S. Rajaratnam, and Compilation of 'Revolt' published by Periyar in 1928 and 1929.