Who among the following is / was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti'?
Narendra Dabholkar
Understanding the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti
The question asks about who among the given individuals is associated with the ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti’. This organisation is significant for its work in combating superstition and promoting scientific temper in Maharashtra.
Role of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS)
The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, often known as MANS, is a social movement and organisation in Maharashtra, India. Its main objective is to fight against blind faith, superstitions, and harmful rituals prevalent in society. It advocates for a rational and scientific outlook among people.
Identifying the Key Person: Narendra Dabholkar
Among the options provided, Dr. Narendra Dabholkar was a key figure and the founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti. He was a medical doctor by profession but dedicated his life to social activism, particularly focusing on the eradication of superstition and promotion of rational thinking.
- Dr. Dabholkar founded MANS in 1989.
- He actively campaigned against various forms of blind faith and challenged fraudulent godmen and practices.
- His work was instrumental in the Maharashtra government enacting the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act in 2013.
Therefore, Narendra Dabholkar is directly and strongly associated with the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti.
Examining Other Options
Let's briefly look at the other individuals mentioned in the options to understand why they are not primarily associated with this specific organisation:
- Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Known for his environmental activism, particularly the Chipko movement in Uttarakhand.
- G. D. Agrawal: An environmental activist who focused on the cleanliness and flow of the River Ganges (Ganga).
- Kailash Satyarthi: A Nobel Peace Laureate known for his work against child labour and advocating for child rights.
While all these individuals are notable social activists in India, their primary area of work is different from the anti-superstition movement in Maharashtra led by MANS.
Conclusion on Association
Based on the roles and associations of the individuals listed, Narendra Dabholkar is the person famously associated with the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti due to his role as its founder and leading activist.
| Individual | Primary Area of Work | Association with MANS |
|---|---|---|
| Chandi Prasad Bhatt | Environmentalism (Chipko Movement) | No Direct Association |
| Narendra Dabholkar | Anti-superstition, Rationalism | Founder and Leading Activist |
| G. D. Agrawal | Environmentalism (Ganga protection) | No Direct Association |
| Kailash Satyarthi | Child Rights, Anti-child labour | No Direct Association |
Revision Table: Key Social Activists and Movements
| Activist | Associated Movement/Cause | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Narendra Dabholkar | Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) | Anti-superstition, Rationalism |
| Anna Hazare | Anti-corruption Movement | Social and Political Reform |
| Baba Amte | Rehabilitation of leprosy patients, Narmada Bachao Andolan | Social Service, Environmentalism |
| Medha Patkar | Narmada Bachao Andolan | Environmentalism, Human Rights |
| Aruna Roy | Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), Right to Information | Transparency, Labour Rights |
Additional Information on Anti-Superstition Efforts
The movement against superstition and blind faith has a history in India, rooted in rationalist and social reform movements. Organisations like MANS play a crucial role in educating the public and advocating for legislation to curb harmful practices carried out in the name of tradition or religion.
- The Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act, 2013, criminalizes certain superstitious practices that cause harm.
- Combating superstition is seen as essential for fostering scientific temper and critical thinking in society.
- Activists like Narendra Dabholkar faced significant opposition due to their work against deeply entrenched beliefs and practices.
Understanding the work of MANS and its founder, Narendra Dabholkar, provides insight into the challenges and efforts involved in promoting rationalism and scientific temper in India.
Important Questions from Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India
- The Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of the God) was organized by
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Select the correct answer using the code given below:
