Even in recent times, injustices continue to be committed against rationalists. If we think about why terrorism is thriving worldwide today, the answer we arrive at is, isn't it, religious fanaticism? Religious extremists are running amok in their attempt to establish religious empires. They are spewing hatred toward other religions — and no religion is exempt from spewing such hatred. We can see, right before our eyes, people who survive by exploiting religion, caste, and regional identity for politics. It only remains for us to recognize them. Much more could be said on this subject. But the immediate duty before us is this: to recognize and honor those noble individuals who lived without religion, to take them as role models, and to move forward, each within our own sphere. As for those who speak of divinity — they should, please, step outside without enjoying the fruits of human achievement, and prove for themselves what they truly are. In the ninth century, the Jain philosoph...
Many great figures — Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, Abraham T. Kovoor, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy — have said that "religious belief turns a person into a fool." This country's Prime Minister, along with several Union ministers, has proven that statement true. There is no harm or danger that comes from not following any religion or not praying to any god. There are countless examples of this. Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jains, who do not follow Hinduism, face no danger from Hindu gods. Similarly, Hindus, Muslims, and people of other faiths who do not believe in Christianity face no danger or loss from the Christian God. Nor do people of other faiths who do not believe in Allah have anything to fear from him. All of this pertains purely to belief. That is why there are no real dangers that arise from a lack of religious belief — and no real benefits that arise from having it. Beliefs without proof, and illusions, hold no real value. When someone points o...