J.B.H.Wadia-Humanist, Film producer

J B H Wadia

Humanist, Producer of Stunt Pictures

The wall Posters of J.B.H.Wadia’s Nadia (1908-1986) became attractive  when I was
studying for Inter (1954) in Guntur, A.C.College.
That was a big fascination in those days.
Though the movie ‘Hunterwali’ was released in 1935 and ‘Miss Frontier Mail’ in
1936, in the cities of Andhra they were screened twenty years later only.
Nadia’s picture was exhibited primarily in the wall posters,  showing her
holding a hunter, wearing black sunglasses and tight pants which thrilled  youngsters.
Heroin Nadia rides on a horse racing beside a train, suddenly jumps off the horse
onto the train, beats the villain, hops back onto the horse and rides away.
All those were  scenes which make the audience jump in their seats.
It was all a success. Plenty of money flowed in.
Hindi Stunt movies came 30 years earlier than Vithalacharya’s Stunt Telugu movies. Nadia’s
movies made students and youth go into frenzy those days.
By 1943 Nadia acted as a romantic tragedy heroin in the movie ‘Mauje’.She was a
foreigner. Yet, she acted as the first Indian heroin to act in stunt movies. Later she
settled in India and married.
J.B.H.Wadia’s role was pivotal in all this. His studios by name ‘Movie Tones’ were
in Bombay. His son was running the studio after his death. The credit goes to Wadia.for recognizing
Nadia’s talent and introducing her to the cine field. He saw her and approved of her
as an eligible candidate for movies when she was 20 years of age. Gradually she got
close to Wadia’s family and wanted to marry his brother. But his mother, an orthodox
Parsi, did not approve of it.Nadia waited until after her death in 1960 and married
I met  Nadia, around 1970 through Wadia. She stopped working in movies by that time.
Around 1970 I got acquainted with J.B.Homi Wadia. He was a student of
M.N.Roy. That brought us both together. Wadia, who played a pivotal role in ‘Radical
Humanist Movement’ as a follower and close companion to M.N.Roy.
He wrote a small book with a nice title - ‘The Man’ about his attachment with Roy
(M.N. Roy, the man, an incomplete Royana 1983). Hidaythulla, Vice -President of
India released the book.
He collected rare photos of M.N.Roy. Casa Da Vinci was the name of Wadia’s
Bombay residence. Roy couple were staying there and enjoying the hospitality of
Wadia. He extended good hosting to M.N.Roy in Bombay. Wadia was very courteous
Having relations with Wadia as M.N.Roy’s admirer/fan, I invited him to
Hyderabad. Meetings were conducted on his arrival. He narrated his experiences in an
Hyderabad Central University Office used to be in Abids Centre. Once,
when Wadia came to Hyderabad on our invitation the meeting was held there.
Abburi Ramakrishna Rao, A.L.NarasimhaRao, Avula Samba Siva Rao, Jasti  Jawaharlal,
N.K.Acharya, A.S.wadwalkar, Alapati RavindraNath, Alam khund Miri and the like
participated with enthusiasm in that get-together. Wadia delivered a speech. We
queried about his movies and especially about Nadia.He answered and told many
things patiently. That was a memorable experience.
Wadia mentioned a plan for a documentary about Roy. But it has not seen the light.
However,  I never imagined during my Inter days as I
watched Nadia’s movies that I would meet Wadia. I got close tohim, corresponding with him, meeting him
whenever he was in Bombay was good experience. He was a film producer who took
care of not showing  religious blind faiths in his movies.
His son’s wish to produce a documentary on Roy has not come into action as yet.
Since Wadia was a Humanist, other than stunts and thrills he did not allow
superstitions in his movies.
At last a documentary on M.N.Roy was filmed in the Bombay studio.
Wadia was close with V.B.Karnik, V.M.Tarkunde, G.D.Parekh, Indumathi,
G.R.Dalvi, and A.B.Shah.
I was introduced to Wadia around 1970 as earlier mentioned.  But my desire since the student days, to see her and talk to
her if possible, had been fulfilled.
Her original name was Mary Anne Evan. Nadia was the name taken in India.
Mother was Greek, father was Welsh.
Mary Anne Evans came to India at the age of 5 years. Along with the father she
trained in horse riding, Ballet and worked in Jarcho circus.
About 1930, Wadia eyed, invited her and moulded her as heroin. She bid good-bye
to the cine field from 1970 with the movie ‘Ek Nanni Munni Ladaki’. She settled well
in a Parsi family. She was soft spoken. She died in 1996.
J.B.H.Wadia was an extraordinary film maker, director and Humanist.
He was M.N.Roy’s follower. He used to boast as Royist..He worked in ‘Radical
Democratic Party’ established by Roy. When Roy came to Bombay he used to stay in
his house. A refined film maker. Conducted film field and politics separately.

Nadia in Wadia`s movies

G.D.Parekh, Indumati ,Humanist couple

Sib Narayan ray, V M Tarkunde

Indumati Parekh in Hyderabad

Govind.D.Parekh, Rector Bombay University, Humanist

Both Mr.  Mrs. Parekh were dedicated to Humanist Movement and to the
Renaissance initiated by  M.N.Roy.
While Govind.D.Parekh was alive and active, Indumati was doing medical service to
the poor in Bombay slums. Those days G.D. was known as a spokes
person of Radical Democratic Party and a famous speaker.
Avula Gopala Krishna Murthy recalled that he was a treat to the ears delivering
fluent speeches on the stage, exchanging glances with Roy, if he was there by his side,
joking, amongst the applause of the audience. Parekh would stop at once anytime Roy
frowned.
I did not know him then. After that we were together for 5 days during Dehradun
Study Camp in 1976-77. We met unexpectedly on train in the compartment while going to that
camp from Delhi. V.B.Karnik was also there. We traveled chit - chatting. In those
5 days of Study Camp Parekh participated on many occasions in the debate. As an
expert speaker he explained Roy’s policies of decentralization. They were very good
to hear but seemed not practicable.
There was a social get together in M.N.Roy’s house, 13, Mohini Road. Each from
different regions in their own style narrated their experiences and shared jokes as
Gowri and Indumathi were serving cocktails to everyone. Parekh made everybody
laugh. Malladi Rama Murthy, Guthikonda Narahari and I were there. RamaMurthy
does not drink. That day we encouraged him to drink and he too had a drink. We all
enjoyed.
Tarkunde’s eyes were wet with tears as he recalled the days he spent with Roy in
that house.
I used to meet Parekh in Bombay. He was working as University Rector and wrote
a book on General Education. He encouraged Prof A.B.Shah who worked with him in SIES college along with Sib Narayan ray.
Pareskh translated a book written by Lakshmana Sastry Joshi in Marathi into
English titled ‘The Critiq of Hinduism’. I translated  that in Telugu and published
in ‘Prasartitha’ a quarterly Telugu magazine.A.B.Shah published Parekh’s articles supporting some of the policies about Tilak in Humanist way quarterly.
 Parekh’s articles  appear in ‘Radical Humanist’.For some time G .D .was editor of Radical Humanist weekly.
After him Dr.Indumathi Parekh,  started serving the Bombay’s
underprivileged and found a place in their heart. She proved the importance of social
service by working in Humanist Movement with dedication. She brought forth the
issues of women.With her efforts she built M.N.Roy bhavan in Bombay which has become great center and international seminars were conducted in it.
We participated in small gatherings in her residence. She stayed as our house guest
with us in in Hyderabad.  Indumathi, along with Gowri malik,  used to shop
together in Hyderabad Old city.Komala helped them for local shopping in old city.
Indumathi toured Andhra many times. She released my translation work of
M.N.Roy’s biography ( by Sib Narayan ray) into Telugu at
Potti Sriramulu  Telugu University,Hyderabad.
She organized International Humanist Conferences quite successfully in Bombay.
She came to Washington while I was there in Washington for discussions to
plan Women welfare programmes ( around 1997). We met and discussed. As a leader of Humanist
Association she encouraged the volunteers and secretaries. She believed in practicing.
She was not a great writer, nor an orator. But International Humanists observed her
programs and said “not Mother Theresa, we must recognize Indumathi”.
  Tom Flynn, editor of Encyclopedia unbelief requested me to write about he which I contributed.
Levy Fragil called her Humanist Heroine.

Indumati, Dr Sivaram, registrar of Telugu University), Justice Avula Sambasivarao, while Innaiah speaking

Premanand the great rationalist magician

Lto R Innaiah, Premanand, Dr P M Bhargava in Hyderabad Rationalist meet


Basava Premanand traveled in India and in many other countries in the world.
He conducted training classes in India. He exposed the fraud taking place
through “Babas and Mathajis” by their mesmerism and magical skills. He brought
into open the cheating and anarchy of right from Sai Baba to many others. A
documentary book by name ‘Murders in Sai Baba’s Ashram’ was brought out.
Another book was written scientifically explaining with examples, the what and
How of the tricks of magic. He arranged a science exhibition at his residence in
Podanur near Coimbatore. When the religious parties tried to destroy a science
exhibition Dr.P.M. Bhargava conducted, Premanand came to rescue and organized
that at his place.
He ran a monthly called ‘Indian Skeptic’ through which he brought up to date
world news.
The literature he gave us is a treasure.
As Abraham Kovur in the past, Premanand too served in rationalist
Movements
He is 80 years old. He reached the final stage of Cancer which he had been
enduring for some time now. He wrote an idyllic Will for the future generations
and wanted his body to be donated to the Medical College on his death.
Premanand died in 2009.
When he toured in USA we were in touch. He addressed demonstration meetings in Center for Inquiry, Amherest, Buffalo. New York state, USA. He also met Mr James Randi , who appreciates him

S. Ramanathan, Rationalist from Chennai

Ramanathan started Rationalist Movement in Madras and took it to National level.
In 1938, he was in Rajaji’s cabinet. He edited  the magazine ‘Indian
Rationalist’. He put together a good collection of Rationalist library. He traveled all
over the country and encouraged the Movement.

We invited him to Hyderabad. By then he was much aged. This is about
way back in 1976. He spoke in a very low voice at Y.M.I.A Hall. Abburi Ramakrishnarao , the chief organiser of Radical Humanist organization in Andhra , and
A.L.Narasimha Rao,journalist and humanist  were present.

We went to his residence in Madras. After his death, his wife did not show
interest in running the Library and the Magazine. So they were shifted .Surya
Narayana and Jaya Gopal took up those responsibilities.

Jaya Gopal went to America, got married and started a web site from Atlanta.
He died around 2000 A.D. Surya Narayana went back to Kerala. When the magazine
was brought to Hyderabad Jaya Gopal used to write. Avula Sambasiva Rao as the
Editor, N.K.Acharya, Jasti Jawahar Lal and I managed the running of the magazine.
This is after 1970. After sometime, Surya Naryana moved the magazine back to
Madras.  It did not run for long in Madras either.

Ram Nathan was the foremost of Indian Rationalist Movement. He toured
in Russia too. He took great pains to conduct the Movement. It is a matter of great
pride to be closely associated with him.

AGK Humanist, Rare Personality

AGK performed several secular marriages. Here is such one in Chirala; Mr Venkateswararao and Ms Ratnakumari wedding.

AGK
(Avula Gopalakrishna Murthy)
This happened one day at a well-attended marriage function at Tenali
in June 1963. Even as the marriage between Jayasree and Rajagopal took
place, a famous writer-cum-journalist working in the US Consulate General,
Madras, Mr. B S R Krishna, walked in, took out a piece of a paper from his
pocket, and handed it over to Avula Gopalakrishna Murthy (AGK). BSR
was not an invitee to the marriage as we initially presumed. He had dropped
in to accomplish a special mission. It was to extend an invitation from the
US Government to AGK to visit their country as its guest. All of us were
AGK was not a politician, who held any position. He was not a celebrity
in the field of cinema or sports. He was not the recipient of any Government
awards and titles. Yet, the US Government chose to invite him as its guest. He
was the first in AP to receive such an honor.
AGK had served as Chairman of the Tenali Municipal Corporation only
once. By profession, he was an advocate. He was born in a remote village called
Mulpuru in 1917. It was from that village that Avula Sambasiva Rao, who
served as a High Court Judge, hailed. AGK had obtained his MA Ll. B from
Lucknow. He was married and had six children.
AGK had seen the nation before and after the Independence. He did
not belong to any well-known political party. He took part in the Radical
Democratic Party, which M N Roy founded in 1940 and dissolved in 1948.
As a student, he met Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. When Bose lost in
the race to become Congress President in 1938, nobody bothered about him.
AGK, however, invited Bose to his hostel room and took care of him. After all,
our society honors and worships those in power..
AGK met T Rama Swamy, well-known reformer and revolutionary writer, in
Tenali. Rama Swamy performed marriages in Telugu and advocated the equality
of sexes. He also developed friendship with Chalam. He introduced both of
He was a great essayist-cum-speaker. He wrote essays and gave lectures in
both English and Telugu with great ease. He was a wizard with words. He kept
gatherings at marriage ceremonies spell bound.
He started his own magazine but was unsuccessful.
T Rama Swamy introduced marriage oath taking in Telugu. He treated
upcoming writers and artists, especially those belonging to backward classes,
with respect. He dealt with poetry and prose touchingly. He excelled in subtle
Poems of Samuel Johnson, Mathew Arnold, Stephen Spender, and
Audin in English and writings of Yetukuri Narasaiah, Tripuraneni, Sripada
Krishanmurthy, Pendyala Subrahmanyam, and Jashua in Telugu were his
favorites. He loved playing badminton and encouraged others to take part in
AGK took part in the Red Cross and other social movements
enthusiastically and encouraged them. Many painters including Goli Seshaih
Venkata Kavi, Venkata Subbayya Vasireddy
(Vadlamudi) often visited him. He never pardoned writers and poets with
destructive or negative thoughts. Such writers ranged from Nori Narasimha
Sastry to Viswanadha Satyanarayana. He loved drama and encouraged it.
His friends’ circle included G V Krishna Rao, Palagummi Padmaraju,
Bairagi, Gokulchand, Yelavarthi Rosaiah, Jasthi Jagannadham, and Gopichand.
Politicians of different hues like Acharya Ranga, Damodaram Sanjivayya, and
Aalapati Venkatramayya tapped him often for his sane and wise advice.
Some of the people who had to face the brunt of his criticism were Neelam
Sanjiva Reddy, Alluri Satyanarayana Raju, Kalluri Chandramouli, S B P Pattabhi
Rama Rao, and Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao. He had a knack for spotting
people with talent whether they enjoyed any position or not. He identified
Peddireddi Timmareddi as a fighter for farmers.
He trained innumerable youth. He wrote the foreword for books written by
In 1960, he invited Annadurai to Tenali and conducted meetings on
rationalism. M N Roy visited Tenali many times after that.
Can we describe AGK as a journalist? Yes and no. He wrote exhaustively
and edited a number of small magazines. He turned to editors like.
Panditaradhyula Nageswara Rao and Narla Venkateswara Rao for advice.
Great humanists including Abburi Ramakrishna Rao consulted him. When
AGK wrote an article defaming Gandhi, a surprised Abburi complained it to M
N Roy.. Contrary to Abburi’s expectations, Roy supported AGK.
When AGK during his US visit criticized Jawaharlal Nehru, the then
ambassador B K Nehru threatened to send him back to India. AGK remained
When AGK was planning his return to India, some people asked him to
praise Vivekananda. He refused to oblige them by saying that he would speak
the truth as he knew it.. Andhra Prabha magazine editor Neelamraju Venkata
Seshayya accused AGK of defaming. AGK paid him back in the same coin.
Presno Municipality in the State of California chose him as a member of its
board. He used to interact with children whenever he visited a school in the
US. He lived for some time with Vadlamudi Srikrishna in Chicago.
All this happened in 1963. On his return, he spoke and wrote about his
The Americans who met him felt they were lucky to have run into such a
AGK passed away in 1967 when he was 50.
His article on “The World around me” published in the Vahini magazine

A B Shah The founder of Secularist movement in India

L to R  Mr Mandava Sriramamurthy,Mr Koneru Kutumbarao,Prof A.B.Shah, Narisetti Innaiah

A. B. SHAH
(Amritlal Bhikku Shah)

A B Shah played a crucial role in the Indian Humanist, secular movement.
Right from 1964 when I met him for the first time, I continued my friendship
with him until he passed away in 1982.

The Koneru Kutumbarao conducted a humanist training camp at Avanigadda in
Krishna district in 1966. A B Shah made his presence felt on all the days by
taking part in discussions and serving as a source of encouragement. He made
it a point to get the Telugu speeches translated into English so that he could
follow what others had to say.

Aavula Gopala Krishna Murthy, as Principal, undertook
the translation task for the benefit of A B Shah. A B Shah appreciated the
spirited speeches of Raavipudi Venkatadri, Tripuraneni Venkateswara Rao, and
Among other participants were Malladi Rama Murthy, G V Krishna Rao,
Kalluri Basaveswara Rao, Meka Chakrapani, Ch. Rajareddy, M V Ramanayya,
Tripuraneni Gokulchand, Bachu Venkateswarlu, and Gavini Venkataswami.
I turned out to be a good companion to A B Shah. We indulged in
chitchatting over a peg of drink or a round of smoking. A B Shah smoked
through pipe whereas Raavipudi relished smoking cigars. Mandava
Srirammurthy contributed to the success of the camp. Kutumbarao made
commendable arrangements and extended good hospitality.

A B Shah toured Andhra many a time at my invitation. He developed
friendship with ABK. When he was bed-ridden following cardiac arrest in
1967; we took un undertaking from him that he would go to Madras for
treatment. He, however, passed away when he suffered a second heart attack
even before he could go to Madras. .

I conducted many meetings of A B Shah in Guntur, Vijayawada, and
Hyderabad .He addressed bar associations. His speech at the AC College in
Guntur won a lot of appreciation. Yelavarthi Rosaiah, whom it was difficult
to please, too praised A B Shah. We conducted many crucial meetings with
Hindu-Muslim associations on secularism. Alam Khundmiri cooperated with us
in the conduct of such meetings..

We had dinner with the then Vice Chancellor D. S. Reddy. Planning to give
his daughter in marriage to Vice Chancellor Narotham Reddy’s son, he elicited
from me the family’s background. The marriage did take place but broke down
I introduced Aalapati Ravindranath and V R Narla to A B Shah.

A B Shah brought out very good books under the banner of Nachiketha
Publications. He published a book after every seminar. He directed me to
sell the books and share half of the revenue with him. We had sold literature
on humanism that way. Gurijala Seetharamayya from Tenali and Koneru
Kutumbarao from Vijayawada helped me a lot. We translated A B Shah’s book
on Scientific Method into Telugu. Anupama Publishers of Vijayawada released
the book of essays at a function, with Sriramamurthy as the chief guest.
A B Shah was on the editorial board of the Radical Humanist magazine.
He later brought out the Quest magazine. He established the Secular Society
and published the Secularist magazine. He told Puri Sankaracharya that there
were references in the Vedas to Hindus consuming cow meat. Tarkatirtha
Lakshmana Sastry supported A B Shah. With the assistance of M P Rege, A B
Shah ran the New Quest magazine. Dilip Chitre acted as its editor for some time.
M N Roy enunciated the principles of humanism based on modern science.
He opined that arriving at principles based on the Vedas was not correct. C B
Ray agreed with him while V M Tarkunde differed.

I read a written copy of his book Philosophical Consequences of Modern Science. He
passed away before he could get it edited and published.
The writings of A B Shah were very scientific and organized.
In 1978, I received a letter from Garden Stain from the U.S. asking me to
write on Humanist, rational, secular movements in India. He also wanted me
to do an Encyclopedia of Unbelief. A B Shah had suggested my name for doing
the work. I accepted the assignment and brought out the book. I kept Garden
Stain informed of the book’s contents. He died of cancer after the book’s
I met so many learned men like VV John, J B Naik, and Amrik Singh
A B Shah was born in Gujarat in the Digambar Jain community and
turned into a Humanist under the influence of A N Rai. He moved to
Maharashtra and lived in Mumbai and Pune. During the Emergency, he stood
V K Sinha, a disciple of A B Shah, runs the Secularist magazine now. B A V
Sarma, also a follower of A B Shah, moved to Hyderabad from Bombay and
passed away after working in Osmania University. He was one of the geniuses
along with Srinivasan and Prabhakar Paadhi in the secular movement.

A B Shah founded the Satya Sodhak Mandali in Maharashtra and facilitated
translation of Hamid Dalwai writings into English by. Dilip Chitre. I translated
the book on Muslim Politics into Telugu. The Prasaritha magazine carried it.
I introduced A B Shah to Bhavanam Venkatram when he was Chief
Minister. As they found themselves on the same wavelength, they grew
closer. Edward Shills ran the Minerva magazine from Chicago. With that as an
inspiration, A B Shah ran the Humanist Way magazine for sometime. A B Shah
published the writings of G D Parekh, a good friend of his. Critic of Hinduism
and Essays on Tilak were some of the articles the Humanist Way carried. It
stopped appearing after eight issues.

A B Shah came to Hyderabad for a seminar at the YMCA. Narayan was
staying at the Taj Mahal hotel. We were amazed when he asked us to get a taxi
to go to the seminar hall, which was very close. It did not strike us initially that
he was not keeping good health. Doctors, whom we approached, diagnosed
him as suffering from a cardiac problem. He left for Pune for treatment.
I introduced Rashiduddin Khan, Y. Ragahavaiah, G. Ram Reddy, K
Seshadri, P V Rajagopal to A B Shah. All of them appreciated his wisdom.
The books on Gandhi and Nehru by A B Shah were the products of a
seminar he conducted. Some of his well-known books are Scientific Method,
Tradition and Modernity, and Challenges to Secularism.

Institute of Science and Human Values

Institute of Science and Human Values is new organization founded by Prof Paul Kurtz. The chairman of the Institute is Dr Stuart Jordan, retired astronomer scientist from NASA.Ms Toni Pelt is the chief organiser and Mr Jack is the webdesigner.
Several organizations from India and other countries have already expressed their willingness to affiliate with the institute.
The Institute will bring out quarterly journal from Jan 2011 and develop website of ISHV.
The first meeting of the Institute was held in Washington DC on 2, 3, 4 Dec 2010 where I participated along with two persons from periyar association namely Dr Sam Ilangovan, and Prof Arasu Chellaiah.
The Institute will hold its first conference on 20 May 2011 in Tampa, Florida, USA with the topic: How to teach moral education to the children.
Here are some pictures with Paul Kurtz, Dr Stuart Jordan, Ms Toni Pelt, Mr Nathan Bupp, Mr Jack Pelt, Dr Sam Ilangovan .

Toni Pelt

Innaiah Narisetti with Prof Paul Kurtz

Mr Nathan Bupp, public Relations for ISHV

Ms Toni Pelt, chief organiser and Dr N.Innaiah

Mr Jack Pelt ,Web incharge

Dr Stuart Jordan President of ISHV and Dr N Innaiah

Children should be free from religion

Floris Van Berg

Children should be free from religion

Review of Innaiah Narisetti’s Forced into Faith. How Religion Abuses Children’s Rights, Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, 2009, 126 pgs.

‘Children should be brought up without allowing religion to influence them. […] Children should not inherit religion. […] Superstitions should not be taught under any circumstances.’ These quotes summarize the essence of Innaiah Narisetti’s appeal to free children from the bondage of religion imposed by parents and the social community. Imposing religion upon children is child abuse. In his succinct book Narisetti cuts to the heart of a much-neglected problem: the education and upbringing of children. For liberals this is considered mostly to be a private matter and therefore not a topic for moral concern. But this is a grave mistake. Liberalism (and humanism) should take the individual as its core value. No individual has the right to limit the freedom of other individuals. Children are not the property of their parents. Parents have no right to force their children into their faith. Education, and upbringing, should be free from religion. Education can be secular by facilitating compulsory public education (political secularism); upbringing should be secular as well, but the state is limited to enforce this (moral secularism). There should be a widespread consensus that it is immoral to speak of religious children, just as it is immoral to speak of a child as belonging to a political party of ideology. Narisetti highlights evils done in name of religion by examples taken from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. The documentary Jesus Camp  also comes to my mind. This documentary is about a summer camp in the US that brainwashes children by instilling a frightful fear of god and Satan using obnoxious propaganda methods. Narisetti’s moral beacon is the Charter of Rights of Children (1989), which is added in total to the text. On paper the rights of children seem to be well protected, but alas, as with so many things, there is a seemingly unbridgeable gap between promises and reality. What is needed is a cultural gestalt switch about children: children are not property, but individuals who have rights, like the right to good (science based) education that includes education about human rights and the equality of women and men, heterosexuals and homosexuals. Religion is a big obstacle for securing the rights of children worldwide. Laws that protect religion, like the First Amendment in the US (especially the Free Exercise Clause: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’), are used as an escape for those who violate human and children’s rights claiming that it is their religion. Religion should not be a hide out for injustices and evil. Narisetti doesn’t say it out loud, but it seems that religion should have the status of a personal opinion and a hobby, and not a privileged status that can be used to subject women and children. We all should be much more careful to protect the rights of children and not be put off by the smokescreen of religion. Narisetti remarks drily: ‘We cannot expect religions to condemn themselves. It is like handling our house keys to a thief with a request to stand guard.’ To remain silent about the injustices done to children in the name of religion is immoral.

Floris van den Berg is a philosopher and Co-Executive Director of Center for Inquiry Low Countries. florisvandenberg@dds.nl.

Radical Humanist movement in India with special reference to Andhra Pradesh

Humanist movement in India

With special reference to Andhra Pradesh

Humanist movement in India commenced simultaneously on par with western countries around 1940s..M.N.Roy was the founder of the movement in India. It was initi ated during the beginning of Second World War. To spread the message M N Roy started daily paper Independent India .Later it came as Radical Humanist, weekly... Roy also published Marxian way and Humanist way, the two outstanding theoretical journals... He was the first person who pleaded for renaissance, decentralization, democratic constitution, power to people, morals in politics recall right for voters, and above all scientific approach to all problems.

The Radical Democratic Party set an example of scientific politics with its study camps, training classes and journals. Both at all India level and state lever the renaissance clubs played crucial role in spreading the scientific politics with new orientation. The Party started during early 1940s set an example how it can be different from Congress, Socialist and communist parties both in theory and practice.

There are numerous intellectuals, writers and politicians who followed the path of M N Roy in spreading the idea of New Humanism.

In course of time M N Roy came to the conclusion that the main hindrance to scientific politics and renaissance is political party. All political parties think that their party is right and all other parties are wrong. Moreover the party thinks: MY PARTY, RIGHT OR WRONG. To implement the new humanist ideas the radical Democratic Party was abolished in favor of New Humanist movement. That is historical turning point in the history of Indian Renaissance movement. It commenced with advent of Independent India.

The history of New Humanist movement has to be written. To set an example here is an attempt made to give glimpse of movement in Andhra Pradesh State. Similarly each state should present its history so that a comprehensive  compendium may be passed on to future generations

.

The Role of Andhra Pradesh in Humanist movement.

The delegates who attended the Faizpur Congress in 1936 felt that the speech and role of M N Roy set a different path from the traditional approach to politics. One person from Andhra invited M N Roy to visit Andhra. He was M.V.Sastri ( Mulukutla Venkata Sastri) who represented news paper of Kunduru Eswar Datt journal. Roy accepted. Later he was invited to inaugurate the agricultural labour conference at Nellore town in coastal Andhra. Mr. Vennelaganti Raghaviah (related to president V V Giri) invited Roy. On 31 July 1938 M N Roy stepped into Andhra town and inaugurated the conference. Immediately he fell sick and M V Sastri took him to Kakinada , coastal town of Andhra. The news reached Andhra University where Mr. Abburi Ramakrishnarao was working as librarian. He brought Roy to Waltair. M N Roy stayed with Mr. H.Gupta in Maharani pet of Vizad  where he recovered. By then Ellen Roy also joined him at Waltair. Mr. Abburi introduced M N Roy to the Vice Chancellor of Andhra University. He was late Kattamanchi Ramalingareddi (C R Reddi) who offered professor post to M N Roy in the university. Roy politely declined. They became great friends and C R Reddi wrote brilliant introduction to LETTERS FROM JAIL. Since then M N Roy frequently visited University and Andhra area till his last days. Letters from Jail was translated and published as series in Radical Humanist fortnightly in Telugu later.

By the time M N Roy was released from jail after 6 years imprisonment by British rulers, he completed his monumental work: The Philosophical Consequences of Modern Science. That was not published fully yet, but parts of it were published under the title: Scince and Philosophy. Roy gave comprehensive thought on various problems like beginning and end, Problem of determinism, Origin of life etc. Later some of these parts were translated into Telugu by N.Innaiah and published in Prasarita, a quarterly Telugu magazine. Prof A B Shah circulated the script to some friends for discussion. Roy went on including few parts in his later writings.

Abburi Ramakrishna Rao became the first state organizer of Radical Democratic Party. He was ably assisted by M V Sastri, A L Narasimharao, Pemmaraju Venkatarao, Tata Devakinandan(municipal chairman of Vizayanagaram).The message of Roy spread quickly in Andhra.

Tripuraneni Gopichand, writer, director became the first state secretary of Radical Democaratic party. He was prolific writer who introduced political short stories in Telugu. He attacked communists and congress party with powerful and pungent pen. Much of Roy’s thought were brought out into Telugu through short stories, plays and criticism by Gopichand.

Several of M N Roy’s writings were simultaneously translated into Telugu and published. In those days the press was very nationalistic and did not entertain the radical ideas of Humanists. Hence Mr. Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, cine director started one weekly called Prajamitra where the articles of Royists found place. Ramabrahmam received Roy in Madras and gave grand reception with several journalists. In that party some journalists put irritating questions to Roy. One such person was Mr. Khasa Subbarao, editor of Indian Express from Madras. He made some nasty remarks against Ellen Roy and Roy violently reacted, saying that such persons need cudgeling.He waved the news paper in his hand towards Khasa Subbarao. At this incident the journalists protested and walked out of the reception in Madras in 1938.They boycotted the news of Radical humanists in the press.

But the radical humanists were non compromising. They conducted political schools in Andhra and several youth were trained. Few journals like Mulukola edited Bandi Butchaih fromVijayawada published the articles of Royists.

The first all India Radical democratic political school was conducted in Dehradun in early 1940s and the whole deliberations were brought out into a book called SCIENTIFIC POLITICS. It was translated into Telugu as class relations which attracted the intellectuals and gave fitting reply to communists.

Mr. Palagummi Padmaraju and Mr. G V Krishnarao emerged as powerful literary writers in support of M N Roy and Humanism. Padmaraju wrote novels with central theme of Humanism. He got world prize for his short storiy ( Gaali Vaana) Storm.He also wrote script to several movies.

Mr. G V Krishnarao emerged as theoretical writer of Roy’s philosophy and countered communist theories of aesthetics.

Mr. Koganti Radhakrishna Murty from Kuchipudi village started publication under the name of Prajasahitya prachuranalu and brought out many writings and translations. He himself wrote a book on writings of M N Roy.

During Second World War Roy and his close associate G D Parekh came out with alternative economic planning under name of PEOPLES PLAN. This is treated as alternative plan to Bombay plan of Birla and rich people. In the Second World War period, communists scandalized M N Roy and radicals for supporting Britishers in the war against Fascists and Nazis. Not only that , they were blamed for accepting Rs 13 thousand for war propaganda. V B karnik explained the whole episode and reasonably told the world how and why they support Britishers in the war. Later communists were proved wrong and Roy was proved right. Similarly M N Roy supported Subhas Chandra Bose for the post of president of All India Congress. Gandhi opposed him but Bose won. Then Roy advised him not to include the Gandhites in the executive lest they should sabotage. Bose did not heed the advice of Roy and included Gandhites in his executive. They promptly sabotaged Bose and next time Bose was defeated. No body received Bose when he was defeated .When he arrived at Luck now only M N Roy followers received him and Mr. Avula Gopala Krishna Murty and others hosted him in their university hostel.

The second all India study camp at Dehra Dun brought out its deliberations under the title: New Orientation.

Again the essence was brought out into Telugu.

Radical were attacked by communists in Bengal, especially in Kolkata during war period. Their study camps were disrupted. M V Ramamurthy was one of the victims to the violent attacks of communists.

Radical Democratic Party contested the first elections during 1946.At that time only limited voters were there. Those who paid taxes were given voting rights. From Andhra few candidates contested and faced uphill task. They encountered much opposition from political parties but also nationalist voters. Hence all the candidates lost in the election. But that was also great opportunity for Radicals to spread the humanist alternative. Mr. Koganti Radhakrishna Murty, Mr. Ravipudi Venkatadri, Mr. Bandaru Vandanam contested. Mr. M V Ramamurthy, Mr. Guttikonda Narahari, Mr. Avula Gopala Krishna Murty, Mr. N V Brahmam and few others propagated for the candidates. That was a big turning point in the Radical Democratic Party and after the election M N Roy came out with the proposal that the party should be abolished in favor of movement.

Then came out the alternative political philosophy and it came out as 22 thesis. Much discussion went on and immediately the Telugu version came out. It has become very difficult for many to accept politics without parties and power. Philip Spratt opposed the disbanding of Radical Democratic Party. But Roy stood on his principle.

M N Roy published a small but powerful book entitled: JAWAHARLAL NEHRU. It exposed the hamlet nature of Nehru in politics. Roy gave fitting reply to Nehru. In his criticism Nehru said that he liked Roy’s economics but not politics. Then Roy retorted saying that his politics and economics are interwoven and cannot be separated.

Radicals in Andhra were the earliest batch to catch up criticism of M N Roy on Mahatma Gandhi. Gopichand, Avula Gopalakrishna Murty,Guttikonda Narahari did that uphill task. Roy exposed the religious views of Gandhi from scientific point of view. Mr. Avula Gopalakrishna Murty published articles on Gandhi in Telugu based on Roy’s criticism. Even Racists like Abburi Ramakrishna Rao could not absorb it. Abburi complained against Avula Gopalakrishna Murty to M N Roy but Avula Gopalakrishna Murty got clean chit from Roy and endorsed the criticism of AGK.

Several of Roy’s articles were brought out by Koganti Radhakrishna Murty in lucid Telugu.He established printing press and brought many publications of Humanist thought.

Roy’s New Humanism was translated into Telugu by Avula Gopalakrishna Murty.It is brief but powerful thesis.

In Andhra are the communists were very powerful force during after

Independence days. Only Radical Democrats faced them theoretically with alternatives. M N Roy and Philip Spratt came out with the book BEYOND COMMUNISM. It was immediately translated into Telugu. Mr. M V Ramamurthy brought out Telugu version. It came handy to radicals.

Roy’s magnum opus Reason Romanticism and Revolution was serialized in Radical Humanist and later came out in two volumes. Erich Fromm recommended this book as a must to understand European Renaissance. (In his book Sane Society in 1955) This was brought out to the notice of Radical Humanists by Avula Gopala Krishna Murty.

Mr. Jasti Jaganadham translated some parts of the book covering Marxism and Humanism. It was serialized in Vahini Telugu weekly. Later the whole book was translated by N.Innaiah and Telugu Akademi published it.

Ellen Roy published the essential speeches and writings of M N Roy under the title: PARTIES POWER AND POLITICS. This was translated into Telugu and serialized in Prajavani weekly from Guntur by N.Innaiah.

AGK (Avula Gopalakrishna Murty) 1917-1967

The outstanding personality among Royists and humanists in Andhra was late AGK. He was known as Vyasopanyaasaka.(essayist and speaker).He edited weekly called Radical, Radical Humanist and Sameeksha. By profession he was attorney but spread the message of Humanism through his activities. He officiated several secular marriages as part humanist thought. He participated in literary campaigns and attacked the reactionalry poets like late Viswanatha Satyanarayana He used to give fitting replies to communists, congress and socialists who attacked the ideas of Roy and Humanism. He participated in All India Radical humanist study camps.AGK encouraged poets, writers, singers, artists and promoted humanist ideology through aesthetics.

Mr. Bhattiprolu Hanumantharao taught history scientifically and published books from scientific perspective. Mr. Kalluri Basaveswararao collaborated with him in history text books.Mr Hanumantharao was the first person to translate M N Roy memoirs into Telugu. (It was published by allied, Bombay)

M N Roy’s memoirs of cat are popular in Telugu. Mr. A V Mohan translated it into Telugu and later Ms Komala Venigalla translated which ran into three editions.

Mr Jasti Jagannadham published the Telugu translation of M N Roy’s Reason Romanticism and Revolution but only some parts are published in journals.

Mr. Alapati Ravindranath started Jyothi journal from Tenali which was very popular in spreading the ideas of M N Roy, Ellen and Radicals. He introduced new techniques of stories, scientific sex education and family planning. During 1948 he was sued for propagating family planning by publishing the article of Ellen Roy. It was very radical idea for orthodox people! Later he started monthly magazine Misimi in Telugu which established among literary sections.

Mr. D.V.Narasaraju, cine writer remained Royist throughout his life. He was prolific writer and his short plays, stories, satirical essays were very popular.

Mr. Koganti Subrahmanyam edited Radical Humanist Telugu journal .He was hard core worker who spread the ideas of Humanism.

Mr. Ravipudi Venkatadri contested as Radical Democratic Party candidate in 1946 elections and it was great opportunity to spread M N Roy thought in villages thought he encountered much antagonism from nationalist and communists. He was the earliest writer to spread Roy’s ideas on astrology, origin of life and dialectics. He wrote magnum opus on the thought of M N Roy and exposed communists. He sustained the movement through his speeches, participation in study camps and editing rationalist journal.Venkatadri was the earliest humanist to attack dialectics of Marx and clarified the humanist position. He explained in a lucid manner the falsehood of astrology and supported astronomy. He also narrated the origin of life and growth from scientific point of view and demystified the religious stories. He countered the false criticism of communists against M N Roy and published magnum opus on M N Roy and his thought. In later part of his life he devoted to the monthly magazine Hetuvadi magazine and criticism of religion, myths, and belief systems.

Mr. N.V Brahmam is the earliest student inAll India Radical Humanist camp at Dehra Dun. His book on Bible was banned in Telugu and later it was lifted through Supreme Court order.  Brahnan spread the humanist thought through his tutorial institutions.

Mr. Yelavarti Rosaiah who taught in Andhra Christian college, Günter was the root cause to spread the thought of M N Roy through his students. Many of his disciples emerged as good Royists.

Guttikonda Narahari, orator in Telugu was the secretary of Radical Democratic Party in Andhra. His speeches were very popular and he faced the scathing attacks of communists through his pungent oration.

M V Ramamurthy was one of the pioneers in Andhra to propagate the Radical Humanist thought throughout. He was also the president of all India Radical Democratic association.

He along with his wife Subfamily devoted for the cause of humanist movement. He published articles, books and translations. Along with Koganti Radhakrishna Murti  he established Prajaswamya prachuranalu and brought the writings of Roy in Telugu. Ramamurthy edited one monthly magazine Vikasam for few years. He toured entire India and established contacts with humanists. From 1940 onwords Ramamurthy consistently worked for the movement until his death.

Mr. Bachu Venkateswarlu was one of the youngest person who established renaissance club as suggested by Roy and attracted youth into the movement. He operated from Chirala town but he died premature in an accident.

Mr. Kolli Sivaramireddi, advocate from Kathevaram village edited Sameeksha journal when the movement was in financial doldrums. He was assisted by Mr. M V Ramanaiah, teacher from Tenali.Mr Parasuram, a teacher from Tenali did ground work at grass root level to spread the humanist thought especially the literary aspects. Mr. Meka Chakrapani from Gudavalli was good speaker and writer who sustained humanist thought locally.

Mr. M.Narayana in Telengana area died as deputy collector .He used to go round villages with writings of Roy and spread the thought of M N Roy especially on decentralization, power to people.

Mr. V S Avadhani who worked in British counsil Madras actively participated in the movement through study camps.

Mr. V R Narla editor of two popular Telugu dailies opposed M N Roy in the initial period and did not allow to publish the news in dailies. Later after reading M N Roy’s literature he totally changed and started publishing several writings in favor of M N Roy and Humanism. He dedicated some of his writings to V MTarkunde, Prem Nath Bazax, Niranjan dhar, Sushil Mukherjee. He came close to Sibnarayan ray, A B Shah and Tarkunde.

Mr. Ancha Baparao edited radical journals from Chirala and during crisis helped the movement. His education center at Chirala town became center of humanist activities for several years.

 Similarly Mr. M.Basavapunnarao worked very hard to sustain the movement in difficulties. He was the root cause to establish the Federation of Humanist, rationalist and atheist association in Andhra Pradesh with Dr N.Innaiah as chairman. It conducted humanist activities successfully. They invited Mr. B.Premanand who organized magic classes for youth and exposed cult gurus, Mathaas, Baabaas. Mr. Gurijala Sitaramaiah in Tenali always came to the rescue of movement both financially and physical help. His M N Roy Bhavan and Naveen lodge are good sources for humanists to conduct innumerable meetings, seminars and study camps.  

At present Mr C L N Gandhi is helping the movement in Andhra Pradesh.Mr S.A.Baksh stood for the movement and showed example by intercommunity marriage and secular weddings. He propagated the ideas through schools and camps.

Me Swadeshi Ranjan Das Gupta published COOPERTIVE COMMON WEALTH from Kolkata depicting the ideas of Roy on economic decentralization and village life. It was translated into Telugu by N.Innaiah and serialized in Radical Humanist Telugu weekly from Tenali, edited by Koganti subrahmanyam.

MN Roy’s Heresies of twentieth Century articles were translated by N.Innaiah and published in Prajavani and Radical Humanist Telugu journal.

Mr. Pasala Bhimanna through his magic performances spreading scientific thought to younger generations.He also published few books.

In the field level there are numerous persons who stood for the movement. MrGorantla Raghavaiah is one such person who is great friend of Mr. Venkatadri.

Mr. Ch Rajareddi gave solid support to the movement through his printing pressLiberty  and publications. He edited Sameeksha for some time.

Mr. Thotakura Venkateswarlu (Babu) edited Charvaka magazine which spread the message in Andhra and several youth were inspired by it.

The Present writer published several books on humanism, rationalism, secularism in Telugu and English. He also translated the major writings of M N Roy, A B Shah, V B Karnik, Sibnarayan Ray, Agehananda Bharati, V R Narla into Telugu.There were brought out by Telugu Akademy, Telugu University.

There is one journal now running from Chirala town edited by R Venkatadri and Mr. M.Satyanaryana.One dynamic group of radicals from Inkole are continuously devoting their time and energy from Inkole village. They are Mr. M Satyanarayana, HanumantharaoHharibabu, Shaik Babu who devote their time and energy for the radical humanist center.

Mr. Lavu Ankamma from Pedanandipadu worked for the Humanist movement when Roy was alive.

Mr. Gumma Veeranna who just retired from government service devoting his time and energy to the humanist movement since three decades. He contributed several thoughtful articles in Telugu journals and published books on humanist thought. He also translated books into Telugu for the cause of Humanism.Veeranna participated in several study camps, meetings and continuously putting all his efforts to sustain the movement. He published translations of V M Tarkunde`s humanist thought into Telugu.

From outside Mr. Aramalla Purnachandra (now in New York) constantly helped the humanist movement and humanist center. He wrote scientific books and articles.

Persons who extend their help in Andhra Pradesh are Mr. Kotapati Murahari Rao, supported the movement with financial help and cooperated for bringinout many publications.

 Mr. Narra Kotaiah, Mr. Narne Venkatasubaiah, Mr. C.Ranganayakulu, Raghavarao, Parvataiah.

Mr. Paula from Tenali contributed his thoughtful writings to the movement.Mr C L Gandhi in Hyderabad is not only helpful but very encouraging for the movement.

 Malladi Subbamma worked constantly for the upliftment of women and stood for secular humanism. She functioned from her residence for the upliftment of women. She edited one monthly for sometime and spread the thought of Humanism.

Mr. Avula Sambasivarao, who was chief justice of Andhra Pradesh High court gave inspiration and help to the humanist movement throughout his life. He contributed several articles on Humanist thought.

Mr. Mandava Sriramamurty from Vijayawada, Mr. Koneru Kutumbarao from Avanigadda, Mr. Gokulchand, Polu Satyanarayana, Y.Raghavaiah, and B A V Sharma Mr. Aleru Bhujangarao worked for the movement at various levels.

Several all India humanist leaders visited the state on many occasions and gave speeches, participated in meetings, conferences and inspired workers, and writers. They are: Sunil  Bhattacharya, Maniben Kara, Indumati Parekh, A B Shah, C T Daru, G R Dalvi, V M Tarkunde, K K Sinha, V K sinha, Gauri Bazaz, Pancholi, R S Yadav,Laxman Sastri  Joshi,Jayanti Patel,J B H Wadia, and numerous others.

Mr. Bandaru Vandanam worked with the movement at early stage and also contests as candidate of Radical Democratic candidate in 1946.

Mr. Jampala Syama Sundararao, Mr. Kosaraju Sambasivarao, Kosaraju Ammaiah, Vasireddi Sivalingaiah worked for the movement.

Mr. Ravela Somaiah from 1960 onwards cooperated with the movement and had correspondence with all veterans of the movement.

Mr. P V Subbarao, advocate from Tenali worked for the movement in early stages and contributed books and articles.

Mr. Paramaiah, Chalamaiah Chunchu Seshaiah, Jana Nageswararao,Kolla Subbarao. Mr. Kolla Subbarao propagated the ideas of Roy especially the cooperative economy and also translated couple of books into Telugu., Guruvulu, P S Raju, Satyanarayana Raju worked for the movement.

Jasti Ramaswami, Jasti Jawahalral, PSR worked for the movement from various angles and spread the literature.He along with Mr. Venkatadri published the history of rationalist and humanist movement’s inAndrha Pradesh. PSR did field work through blood donation, eye donation banks that helped several people.

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After the death of Roy

After 1955, several persons were inactive in the movement. Mr. Pemmaraju Venkatarao joined Congress party with a hope to introduce Radical thought into that party. Later he moved close to Telugu Desam party.

Mr. M V Sastry joined Swatantra party. He was elected as legislator in council from graduate’s constituency.

Mr. A.Ramakrishnarao retired from active cultural activities and drifted into faith.

Mr. Guttikonda Narahari joined N G Ranga and started his own tobacco business.

Mr. Tripuraneni Gopichand gradually moved towards Aurobindo and became devotee.

Ellen Roy frequently visited the state and kept contacts.

Mr. V M Tarkunde joined hands with Jayaprakash Narayan in party less politics and civil liberties. At one juncture communists also worked with Tarkunde through their front organization like people` union for civil liberties.

Sibnarayan Ray published the biography of M N Roy which was translated into Telugu by N.Innaiah and published by Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.

Mr. a B Shah established secular society and frequently visited state established state unit. He also worked with Congress for cultural freedom.

A.B Shah’s Scientific method was translated into Telugu by N.Innaiah which ran into three editions. Osmania University Philosophy department put Scientific Method in M.A Syllabi for few years during 1970s.

The Political Science department taught M N Roy political philosophy for M A students.

A B Shah introduced much discussion on 22 theses. He suggested that the Philosophical consequences of Modern Science should be edited and updated with modern scientific developments. His magazines Quest, New Quest, Secularist helped to further the discussion. Prof Daya Krishna from Rajasthan participated in the discussion. But the main task of editing Roy’s thesis is still pending.Dr Pushpa Bhargava also discussed 22 theses thoroughly. Prof Sibnarayan ray also suggested proper updating of it is a must. A BShah established secular society Andhra Pradesh branch with N.Innaiah as in charge. Several intellectual discussions were held and seminars were conducted in Andhra. Muslim, Christian and Hindu organizations participated in the seminars along with intellectuals from universities. Prof B A V Sharma and Mr. V K Sinha, Prof Alam Khundmiri, Prof K Seshadri contributed much thought for promoting secular ideas. Many of the writings of Shah were brought into Telugu by N.Innaiah. The fundamentalists of all religions attacked A B Shah and secularists in Andhra but they with stood the onslaught. Mr. V R Narla participated in the secular and humanist camps. Justice PingleJagan Mohan Reddi, Justice A Gangadhararao, Justice Jeevan Reddi, Justice Chinnapa Reddi participated in the humanist and secularist study camps and encouraged in Andhra Pradesh. After the premature death of
A B Shah in 1982 secular movement had set back.

Mr. V B Karnik worked in Leslie Sahney organization to develop panchayat raj and visited state to encourage study campsHe was in constant touch with Andhra Pradesh. His biography of M N Roy both large edition and abridged edition were translated into Telugu by N.Innaiah and published by Telugu akademi.Mr W.S Kane brought out these volumes and visited Andhra Pradesh several times.

Dr G R Dalvi was another inspiring economist who developed many contacts with Andhra radicals. He was working in the Administrative staff college of India. During his tenure he invited famous radicals like V B Karnik, A B Shah, Nissim Ezekiel to Hyderabad. They gave many lectures and toured the state. Similarly J BH Wadia, Laxman Sastri Joshi visited the state. Prem Nath Bazaz also constantly kept in touch with Hyderabad. Prof Jayanti Patel toured the state when he was president of Indian Radical Humanist association.

Indumati Parekh kept constant touch with the state as president of Radical Humanist association.

Maniben Kara visited the state in her capacity as chairman of all India women organization.

Within the state Mr. Avula Gopalakrishna murty carried the torch of humanist flame and struggled to sustaing the interest. His early death in 1967 was a schock to the movement. Then Mr M V Ramamurthy took the responsibility and carried the burden. Later Mr. Ravipudi Venkatadri continued Rationalist organization and Hetuvadi magazine which has become a link to all the organizers.

Telugu field is rich with literature of Radical Humanist writers, translations and magazines.

M N Roy centenary year was celebrated in Andhra Pradesh in 1987.The whole set of books of and by Roy and books of V B Karnack’s biography of M N Roy were released by Telugu Akademi. A big function was held in Vijayawada with Indra Reddi, education minister, Mr. Daggupati Venkateswararao, Prof C Laxmanna, Mr. R Venkatadri and Mr. N.Innaiah.

Mr. Gahanna Bharati delivered lectures on Roy in Osmania University and Ambedkar Open University during M N Roy centenary year.

Some sister organizations cooperate for camps, meetings, magic performances and rallies.

Several times efforts were made to establish Humanist center in vain. Only individuals are working from their houses or offices.

One center was established in Inkole, a big village near Chirala town. Few committed humanists are working for the center with annual celebrations, occasional meetings and publications.

Now

The Radical Humanist movement is very weak now in Andhra Pradesh. Very few people are there to work for it. Youth are not coming .forward.  Educational institutions are not teaching

Humanist thought.

It is future challenge.

M N Roy the founder

founder of Secularist movement