Only humanism unites mankind: Dr Vijayam

Religion divides people and creates havoc among mankind, said Dr Vijayam, eminent social scientist and atheist leader while addressing the Humanist Day celebrations here on Thursday.

Dr Vijayam said that humanism is only solution to avert such catastrophe and unite people all over world. “Reasoning, ethics and social justice are the main pillars to the humanism,” he said adding that it was against superstitions, religious dogma, supernatural powers and pseudo-science.

With the advent of technology and science, the world is progressing rapidly and some Western countries got rid of the iron grip of the religion, he said. Dr Vijayam said that people should adapt critical thinking and ethical culture for betterment of their lives.

According to him, a number of churches were closed throughout Europe since there were no patrons. All the religions were striving hard to retain people with them in the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, he added.

Dr Samaram, presiding over the meeting, said that the political leadership had been striving to keep people in superstitions for their survival. “They are dividing people in the name of religion, caste to get political mileage,” he added.

He deplored the fact that though India is a secular nation where there should be clear demarcation between the religion and the State, there is religious interference in the government programmes. “The society would progress with the spread of the humanism,” he remarked. Earlier, G Niyanta, welcomed the gathering and Dr Maru also participated.