8th Atheist meet begins in Tiruchi today

TIRUCHI: Finding astrology and other pseudo sciences' as major challenges confronting the humankind, idealogues from across the world will converge in Tiruchi to chalk out a course of action to propagate atheism and rationalism.
As many as 200 delegates, including many from countries like Norway, Finland, Australia, England and United States would participate and present over 100 research papers in the three-day 8th World Atheist Conference organized here by Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) found by rationalist leader EV Ramasami and Atheist Centre, based in Vijayawada, from Friday.
"The idea of the conference is to propagate atheism as an alternative culture," said K Veeramani, DK president. Most of the earlier world conferences organised by the Atheist Centre were held in Vijayawada, while one was held in Helsinki. It was the DK that chose Tiruchi as venue for the eighth conference as Periyar had a close association with the town. Veeramani felt that astrology was spreading evils and even forcing men to commit crimes in the name of belief. Besides questioning the rationality in pseudo sciences,' and weaning away masses from following the unscientific practices, the conference will also attempt to inculcate scientific temper among youth. Veeramani hinted that there needs to be a change of attitude even in the highest levels of government. Referring to the Sethusamudram project that remains a non-starter, he said that superstition would also affect the growth of a nation. A rally against superstitious beliefs will also be taken out followed by a public meeting on Jan 8.
The conference will be inaugurated by Kevi Fragell, former president of International Humanist and Ethical Union, Norway while Kristin Mile, secretary general, Norwegian Humanist Association, Pekka Elo of Free Thinkers Association, Finland and other foreign delegates will present papers on atheism.
"People all over the world are moving away from religion. Wide prevalence of religion is only an illusion," said G Vijayam, president of Atheist Forum, Vijayawada.
During the deliberations, the organizers would chalk out a strategy to campaign and eradicate pseudo sciences and superstitious belief.