Indian constitution motivates me to promote rationalism: Bhagavan

Mysuru, Dec 30: Writer and thinker Prof K S Bhagavan, who has incurred the wrath of hardline Hindutva outfits by criticising the controversial acts of Hindu religious figures has said it’s his duty to promote rationalism and scientific temper.

A day after a police complaint was registered against him for allegedly insulting religious beliefs in his recently released book Rama Mandira – Eke Beda? , the writer said he did not wish to react to the complaint but would like to clarify that he was only acting as per the Constitution of India.

“Article 51 A(h) of the Constitution says that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to promote rationalism, scientific temper, reform and humanism. Everybody strives for their rights. I am striving to discharge my duties,” he said, while claiming he was not disappointed by the people who were opposing him. For, Basavanna, the 12th century social reformer, had counselled his followers to treat even people who abused them as their relatives and pray for wisdom to dawn upon them.

Tight Security

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up around KS Bhagwan’s house after members of Hindutva outfits protested against him. On Friday, police personnel prevented Hindutva activists from performing puja to Rama in front of the writer’s residence in Kuvempunagar.

There were tense moments in the day as members of a saffron outfit led by KM Nishant brought a picture of Rama before the house. Police had placed barricades to prevent anyone from entering. They detained the activists and prevented them from performing puja. Nishant said Bhagwan was hurting religious sentiments with his writings.