Experts who participated in the programme vociferously condemned the activities and alleged Pejawar mutt seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji of being responsible for the existence of the same. They urged the people to take steps to eliminate such rituals.
Delivering a lecture on superstitious practices at a conference organised by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruti Vedike here on Saturday, ex-MLA and state secretary of CPM G?V?Srirama Reddy accused the seers of mutts of having more than one faces. He alleged that the seers try to evade allegations by pointing out at other religious places of practicing inhumane acts.
He disclosed that a survey conducted by the party revealed that 11 more temples practice 'made snana' and added that almost all temples have 'pankti beda'. “Brahmins and non-brahmins are served food separately,” he said.
He said, if a seer stays at a Dalit's house, the latter's situation will not improve. Instead , they should be allowed to have food along with Brahmins at the mutts.
Reddy lamented over existence of social evils which he termed as social diseases. He said, development cannot be expected until superstitious beliefs are alive. “Evil practices are swept under the carpet rather than clearing the society of them,” he added.
He said those in power and aspirants of the same are into sheer hypocrisy. They want to enjoy the privileges of civilisation and development while they want the backward communities to drown in ignorance.
“The former even accused the latter of being unscientific if they take a step towards revolution,” he said.
He requested civilised masses to oppose the practices, as justifying them is not good for the society. Caste and class are used as yardsticks of humanity, which creates disharmony in society and should be prevented.
He said the whole coastal belt is developing fascist culture. Mentioning that the forums had warned Pejawar seer to stop archaic practices, instead he is defending them, thereby encouraging their practice.
He dwelled upon the ironies which the society was living in. He said backward classes are exploited in the guise of beliefs and emotions. There should be mutual respect towards beliefs among different communities.
He clarified that the forums were fighting against social discrimination and not against gods.
Writer Aravinda Malagatti said that 'made snana' is nothing but showing disrespect towards farmers, who cultivate paddy. He alleged that religious heads often miquote history for the benefit upper classes of the society. They interpret scientific beliefs into superstitions rather than explain them to the people.
'Assault on democracy'
Referring to the lathi-charge by police on activists protesting against the practices in Udupi, the former MLA and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Srirama Reddy said it was an assault on democratic forces.
He said they would not be cowed by such threats and were prepared to withstand further blows in pursuance of their struggle to end such caste-based discrimination. Mr. Reddy added that the party would galvanise the people throughout the State and bring pressure on the government to ban these practices.
'Judiciary silent on issue'
Kannada writer Aravind Malagatti said the practice was not only an assault on humanitarian values and principles but amounted to displaying contempt towards farmers who struggle to grow food. He expressed astonishment that such practices were allowed in this day and age and that even the judiciary was silent on it.
Other speakers endorsed these views. The participants also resolved to strengthen the CPI (M)'s struggle against these practices.
State president of the vedike K S Shivaram condemned the practices existing in the era when humans are landing on moon and other planets. Writer K S?Bhagavan, Meera Naik of Samata Vedike and others were present.
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