User:Cheeringparomita/Biplab das

Biplab Das

Biplab Das was born in 16 th January,1980 is the secretary of “Science and Rationalist’s Association of India”. An organization in India popularly known as ‘Juktibadi Samiti’ is working for eradication of superstition and racism for past many years. Biplab Das basically worked upon rural superstitions like- witch-hunt, child marriage and urban superstitions like astrology. He performed awarness programmes against anti-superstition in villages, towns and cities in India, basically in the state WestBengal. He is in the editorial board of a popular bengali magazine named "Amra Juktibadi" and columninst of different magazines and webmags.

His activities: One from his numerous activities is disclosing the fake claims of the renowned astrologer Pandit Sitaramji Maharaj. Pandit Sitaramji Maharaj was lodged in room no 104 of Hotel Devarshi at Bankura town. He was there since May 13, 2010. He could make accurate predictions about the future of any person with a mere glance and studying through the palm lines. Further, he can relive anyone from serious hassles ranging from infertility to unsuccessful relations. Sitaramji asserted to heal his disease through “supernatural” means by chanting mantras, which is clearly a criminal offence as per ‘The Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act 1954’.On that very afternoon of May 16, 2010, Biplab Das, Shyam Das, Buddhadev Roy, Babai and other members of the association charged Sitaramji of hoodwinking and cheating people through his false and unscientific claims. Unable to face such grilling where he was bombarded with questions and challenges, Sitaramji broke down and began to give contradictory statements. Shortly, members of the association lodged a complaint with the local Policestation (General Diary no 1372 dated May 16, 2010 at Bankura sadar thana). A tribal girl, Putul Tudu aged 12 years was being given in marriage against her will. It is not only illegal in India, but unethical and inhuman.Das visited the remote village Housibad amidst the jungles of Taldangra with another member Tarun Rakshit on 9th March 2010 and stopped the wedding. Within two days Biplab Das and his friends got the girl admitted to local 'Taldangra Girls’ School and also managed to get hostel accomodation. A hostel in the name of Kasturba Gandhi offers residence to local girl students at a nominal cost. Another festivals where the villagers pierced the Baan on his skin-it may be in abdomen, chest ,neck, or any other part of human body. In case of Charhak, the performer is hung from a very tall post with the help of two or more metal hooks pierced through the skin of back then the person is rotated at high speed. People enjoy and celebrate this kind of crude and gruesome religious practice of inflicting pain on one’s own body. It is watched and applauded by thousands-some time lakhs who gather at the air-ground. Das also protest against this type of superstitions. His Books: He wrote the Bengali book Global Warming on 2009. This book is the first on this largely misunderstood subject written in simple Bengali for laymen and scholars alike.In 2004 Mukto Chinta publishing published his book "Feng Shui & Vaastu: Can they really change your fate?" is still selling from the local book sellers in Bengal. References