an interview with Dr.Innaiah, rationalist and radical humanist
Muddana
An interview with Dr.Innaiah (conducted through e-mail):
Q1: What are the advantages/disadvantages of religion vs. rationalism?
A: Religion kills the spirit of inquiry and inculcates fear complex in the
name
of hell, god, and punishments after life. It also makes people
irresponsible
towards this life since they concentrate on coming life, which is a
myth.
Rationalism expects persons to behave reasonably towards all walks of
life,
towards others, respect human dignity, freedom, privacy, cooperate to
achieve,
build pluralistic society where art, science develops. Rationalism also
denies the skeptical nihilists who says that we can do nothing, achieve
nothing, and we are doomed. Astronomically there may be a long range
doom but now we can achieve many spelendours in nature, which we are doing
already
through scientific quest. This progress is endless and it gives us
pleasure.
We live harmoniously with nature and at the same we can mend nature to
some
extent to suit us.
Q2:Tell us briefly what radical humanism is? Why should we be interested
in it?
A: Radical Humanism treats human beings as important key persons in the
society, they are the goals for achieving finer things, supremacy.
Humanism relies on cooperation, values, and scientific quest in
acquiring
knowledge. It cherishes ethics without any fear of god or supernatural
force.
Transcendental temptation is leading to all beliefs without any proof
and
making man to believe in reincarnation, soul and Karma. Also heaven and
hell.
It inculcates fear. Priest craft trade on this fear complex. Humanism
denies
such attitude to life. It says that life is finitude and hence must be
enjoyed here
Muddana
All our goals, hopes, aspirations should be aimed at
gradual progressive achievements. It gives us happiness. Since we have
only
one life we must enjoy it fully, with fine arts, aesthetics and proceed
in a
rational and scientific way to achieve things. Humanism treats all
humans
equally, women and men without any belief in slavery or caste
hierarchy.
Q3:What are the short term and long term objectives of rationalist
movement
in India, US and the rest of the world?
A: The short term goals are to counter the irrational forces and show the
scientific temper as correct attitude to achieve our goals.
Long term goals are to create humanist harmonious pluralistic
democratic
society with human rights reign supreme, human values rule the roost,
secular ethics prevail in the daily life.
Q4:Could give us a brief summary of what has been achieved by the movement
in
the past few years in India, US and the world (other than exposing
quacks)?
A: In India the humanist movement is minority voice but it is heard since
it is
sane and rational. Human rights are emphasized and civil liberties are
demanded whenever communal riots flare up. In Punjab, Kashmir,
Maharastra
these problems were highlighted by humanists. Even during the
extermination
of Naxalite movement through killings, humanists prevail for the
appointment
of judicial commission and see that proper inquiry was made.
International humanist and ethical union is now emerging powerfully
with head
quarters in London and coordinating the activities of various nations
humanist activities. Each country has different peculiar problems which
the
humanists view from rational point of view. Broadly they voiced for
family
planning, ecology, rational choice for birth, euthanasia, human rights
everywhere.
And of late trying to spread secular thought among Islamic nations
which is an
uphill task.
Q5:Could you briefly summarize your role in bringing change (both through
literary (articles/books) and nonliterary activities)? What specific
impact
can you attribute to your books in influencing people?
A: In India we tried to educate people through study camps, meetings and
articles, and books. The reaction to my articles and books is an
indication
that some people are reading and are being influenced by them. When we
pleaded for renaissance in India with a rational approach to history,
and
condemn the distortions of persons like Vivekananda, there was violent
reaction. For example Hindu fundamentalists in Hyderabad came to UDAYAM
daily
office with lathis, demanded the editor (ABK PRASAD) not to publish my
articles on Vivekananda, and threatened with dire consequences. When
the
editor asked them to reply to my arguments for publication, they flatly
denied!
Similar approach was witnessed when I wrote about the irrational
approach of
alternative medical systems like Homeopathy. Again homeo practitioners
came
to the office of Udayam demanding withdrawal of my articles, burnt
effigies
in Gudivada, Cuddapah and led processions in Rajahmundry. We organized
common
platforms with homeo doctors on the rationality of the system in
Rajahmundry
with Dr Krishna Choudary, Mr. N.V. Brahmam where large audience were
homeo
practitioners.
We conducted several civil marriages and I officiated 100 weddings
where we
conducted without any mantras, religious ceremonies but encouraged
esthetical functions and only oath taking and registration of the
marriages.
Thus we showed that rational approach is possible in all walks of life.
My books on renaissance and Andhra politics are widely read. My attack
on
communist theory and practice also attracted much attention through
press and
public.
Q6:Why do you think even the well educated have such strong faiths in
miracles,
religion, psychics, astrology? How should it be tackled?
A: From our childhood we are taught beliefs in our religions, inculcated
fear
complex and it has become very difficult to erase them even though some
of us
are educated. Scientific method is not taught in the schools whereas
religious teaching is systematically brain washing us. That is the main
reason for most irrational behavior of scientists and others. A few are
non-believers but keep quiet due to social stigma. Islamic societies
inculcate
fear complex towards non-believers. That is why the task of humanists
has
become more difficult in educating the public.
Q7:What works/people influenced you the most? and at what age?
A: Mr. Yelavarthi Rosaiah, my lecturer in english in Andhra Christian
college,
Guntur AP since 1953 on words till 1958 and Mr. Gopalakrishna Murthy
Avula
from 1957 to 1965 and Prof. A.B.Shah, the founder of Secular movement
in India
since 1964 to 1980 are important persons who influenced me. At the age
of 20
I was influenced by Mr. Rosaiah.
My father Mr. N.Rajaiah and My brother Mr. Vijayaraja Kumar are very
secular in
their approach which influenced me at my formative age.
Q8:What is your current agenda?
A: To work as liaison person between Indian and American humanists as well
as
International Humanist association.
To concentrate on the child abuse of religions. I drafted a resolution
and sent to International Humanist and Ethical Union for discussion and
adoption so that it might reach UNESCO for further actions.
To impart as much possible knowledge to Indian Humanists to update
their information.
I am Translating Paul Kurtz`s latest forthcoming book : The courage to
become,
the virtues of Humanism which will be a guide book for humanists.
To introduce some Telugu eminent persons in USA through Telugu journals
in
Andhra Pradesh. If possible try to bring some American Telugu people to
Center
for Inquiry for Humanist approach
Dr.Innaiah can be reached at (301) 570-1876 and his e-mail address is
HU...@aol.com.
Sekhar Muddana