Belagavi: An otherwise deserted graveyard at Sadashiva Nagar in Belagavi wore a festive look on Tuesday as thousands of people thronged the place to celebrate Mahaparinirvan Divas organised by former minister Satish Jarkiholi to mark the death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar. The participants were served a variety of meals and snacks at the graveyard where most of them including Mr Jarkiholi will spend the whole night.
According to Jarkiholi, the idea behind holding such an event in a graveyard is to fight superstition. ''We got a massive response from across the country for this event being held the third year in a row at Sadashiva Nagar graveyard.
A number of rationalists, thinkers and litterateurs who supported it are trying to create a healthy society by taking part. The mega rallies to create awareness among people against superstition, which passed through 100 taluks, entered the graveyard today,'' said Jarkiholi.
The anti-superstition drive is an effort to bring people of weaker sections and victims of blind practices into society's mainstream by introducing them to the great writings and thoughts of Dr Ambedkar, he said adding that a series of seminars were held on the inaugural day on superstition.
Speaking at the inaugural function, former advocate general Ravikumar Verma said, ''Religion has gained such political colour that it is being used by leaders like a 'joker' in a set of playing cards. The places which are supposed to be occupied by institutions of education and centres of rehabilitation for children, unemployed and the poor are unforunately being used for having buildings for places of worship. This is happening because religion has been dragged into politics.'' Several speakers felt the need for having an anti-superstition bill strictly implemented in the state to prevent the masses from getting trapped by blind faith.
