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{{Short description|Indian rationalist (born 1955)}}
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'''Sanal Edamaruku''' is an Indian author and [[Rationalism|rationalist]]. He is the founder-president and editor of ''[[Rationalist International]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rationalists.net|title=Rationalist International }}</ref> the president of the [[Indian Rationalist Association]] and the author of 25 books and other articles.<ref name="The ESP Podcast">{{cite web|last1=Pinter|first1=Andras|last2=Levin|first2=Jelena|last3=Bockman|first3=Pontus|title=Episode #22, Featuring Sanal Edamaruku|url=http://theesp.eu/?s=episode+22|website=[[The European Skeptics Podcast]]|accessdate=25 August 2016|date=13 May 2016}}</ref> In 2012, he was charged by a group of Catholics with [[blasphemy]] when he insulted the Catholic faithful while examining a claimed [[Weeping Jesus statue in Mumbai|"miracle" at a local church in Mumbai]]. He moved to [[Finland]] to evade arrest.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26815298|agency=BBC|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=2 June 2014}}</ref>
'''Sanal Edamaruku''' (born 26 May 1955) is an Indian author and [[Rationalism|rationalist]]. He is the founder-president and editor of ''[[Rationalist International]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rationalists.net|title=Rationalist International }}</ref> the president of the [[Indian Rationalist Association]] and the author of 25 books and other articles.<ref name="The ESP Podcast">{{cite web|last1=Pinter|first1=Andras|last2=Levin|first2=Jelena|last3=Bockman|first3=Pontus|title=Episode #22, Featuring Sanal Edamaruku|url=http://theesp.eu/?s=episode+22|website=[[The European Skeptics Podcast]]|accessdate=25 August 2016|date=13 May 2016}}</ref> In 2012, after examining an [[Weeping Jesus statue in Mumbai|alleged miracle at a local church in Mumbai]] and insulting the Catholic faithful, he was charged under [[Hate speech laws in India|India's hate speech laws]], prompting him to move to [[Finland]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26815298|agency=BBC|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=2 June 2014}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Edamaruku was born in 1955 in [[Thodupuzha]], [[Kerala]], [[India]] to [[Joseph Edamaruku]], an Indian scholar and author, and Soley Edamaruku.<ref name="Interview"/> Born in a Christian-Hindu mixed marriage, he was brought up without any specific religious influence. At his parent's insistence, he was the first student in India whose official school records listed "no religion".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kumar|first=Shikha|title=I thought Jesus was Cinderella's brother|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-i-thought-jesus-was-cinderellas-brother-1749716|work=[[DNA India]]|publisher=Diligent Media Corporation|accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref>
Edamaruku was born in 1955 in [[Thodupuzha]], [[Kerala]], [[India]] to [[Joseph Edamaruku]], an Indian scholar and author, and Soley Edamaruku.<ref name="Interview"/> Born in a Christian-Hindu mixed marriage, he was brought up without any specific religious influence. At his parents' insistence, he was the first student in India whose official school records listed "no religion".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kumar|first=Shikha|title=I thought Jesus was Cinderella's brother|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-i-thought-jesus-was-cinderellas-brother-1749716|work=[[DNA India]]|publisher=Diligent Media Corporation|accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref>


He became a rationalist-atheist activist at the age of 15, after seeing a neighbourhood athlete's death after her family refused medical treatment because they believed in [[faith healing]].<ref name=Batting>{{cite news|last=Lad|first=Vrushali|title=Batting for reason in a land of faith|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Batting-for-reason-in-a-land-of-faith/Article1-851455.aspx|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=6 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224081030/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Batting-for-reason-in-a-land-of-faith/Article1-851455.aspx|archive-date=24 December 2013}}</ref>
He became a rationalist-atheist activist at the age of 15, after seeing a neighbourhood athlete's death after her family refused medical treatment because they believed in [[faith healing]].<ref name=Batting>{{cite news|last=Lad|first=Vrushali|title=Batting for reason in a land of faith|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Batting-for-reason-in-a-land-of-faith/Article1-851455.aspx|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=6 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224081030/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Batting-for-reason-in-a-land-of-faith/Article1-851455.aspx|archive-date=24 December 2013}}</ref>
In 1977, he obtained a master's degree in [[political science]] from the [[University of Kerala]]. In 1980, he received his MPhil degree from [[Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi|Jawaharlal Nehru University]], [[New Delhi]] at the School of International Studies. While writing his thesis towards his [[doctorate]], he began working for the Afro-Asian Rural Reconstruction Organization.{{Citation needed|date=November 2015}} He gave up his job in 1982 to focus more on the Indian Rationalist Association and publishing his own works.{{Citation needed|date=November 2015}} He also has a diploma in [[journalism]] and appeared as a regular panelist in TV channels.


==Rationalist activism==
==Rationalist activism==
[[File:Sanal Edamaruku during a village campaign for promotion of scientific temper in UP.jpg|thumb|Edamaruku demonstrating the trick to "create" holy ash in a village in Uttar Pradesh state in India.]]
Edamaruku has been active in the [[Indian Rationalist Association]] (IRA) from the age of 15. Before becoming the president in 2005, he served as the General Secretary beginning in 1983,<ref name=Quack>{{cite book|last=Quack|first=Johannes|title=Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India|year=2012|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|location=New York, NY|isbn=978-0-19-981260-8|page=98}}</ref> and has been the editor of its publication ''Modern Freethinker''. His many books and articles deal mainly with rationalistic thoughts and against [[superstition in India]]. His writings in ''Rationalist International'' are translated into English, French, German, Spanish, and Finnish.<ref name=zuckerman>{{cite book|last=Zuckerman|first=Phil|title=Atheism and Secularity|year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara, CA|isbn=978-0-313-35181-5|page=147}}</ref>
Edamaruku has been active in the [[Indian Rationalist Association]] (IRA) from the age of 15. Before becoming the president in 2005, he served as the General Secretary beginning in 1983,<ref name=Quack>{{cite book|last=Quack|first=Johannes|title=Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India|year=2012|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|location=New York, NY|isbn=978-0-19-981260-8|page=98}}</ref> and has been the editor of its publication ''Modern Freethinker''. His many books and articles deal mainly with rationalistic thoughts and against [[superstition in India]]. His writings in ''Rationalist International'' are translated into English, French, German, Spanish, and Finnish.<ref name=zuckerman>{{cite book|last=Zuckerman|first=Phil|title=Atheism and Secularity|year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara, CA|isbn=978-0-313-35181-5|page=147}}</ref>


In February 2011, Edamaruku was elected as a Fellow of the [[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csicop.org/news/press_releases/show/csi_announces_new_fellows |title= CSI announces new Fellows |accessdate=2011-08-07}}</ref> (USA) and is an Honorary Associate of [[New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists]] and [[Rationalist Association]] of UK (formerly Rationalist Press Association).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newhumanist.org.uk/2043/board-of-trustees-and-supporters |title=Rationalist Association (UK) Board of Directors and Supporters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308062443/http://newhumanist.org.uk/2043/board-of-trustees-and-supporters |archive-date=2012-03-08 }}</ref>
In February 2011, Edamaruku was elected as a Fellow of the [[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csicop.org/news/press_releases/show/csi_announces_new_fellows |title= CSI announces new Fellows |accessdate=2011-08-07}}</ref> (USA) and is an Honorary Associate of [[New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists]] and [[Rationalist Association]] of UK (formerly Rationalist Press Association).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newhumanist.org.uk/2043/board-of-trustees-and-supporters |title=Rationalist Association (UK) Board of Directors and Supporters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308062443/http://newhumanist.org.uk/2043/board-of-trustees-and-supporters |archive-date=2012-03-08 }}</ref>


[[File:SanalEdamaruku training students at National Science Centre in New Delhi India.jpg|thumb|Edamaruku demonstrating a levitation trick.]]
Edamaruku conducted investigation and campaigns in Indian villages, targeting mystics, [[Godman (India)|god men]] and practices he deems [[superstition|superstitious]].<ref name="Interview"/> He refers to this as "Rationalist Reality Theatre."<ref name="Interview"/> The documentary film ''Guru Busters'' shows Edamaruku and a team of rationalist campaigners on the road in Kerala demonstrations of how to perform supposedly supernatural stunts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eagletv.co.uk/projects/guru-busters.html|title=Eagle & Eagle  }}</ref> He has helped in building Indian Atheist Publishers, which is now [[Asia|Asia's]] largest atheist publishing house. He convened the three International Rationalist Conferences held in 1995, 2000 and 2002.<ref name=zuckerman /> In December 2013, Edamaruku launched a new quarterly English language magazine ''The Rationalist'' on his blog.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edamaruku|first=Sanal|title=Embarking on a Great Journey|url=http://sanaledamaruku.blogspot.com/|publisher=Blogspot|accessdate=2 March 2014}}</ref>  
 
Edamaruku has carried out investigations and demonstrations that helped expose frauds, mystics and [[Godman (India)|god men]] as well as conducting campaigns against superstition in Indian villages.<ref name="Interview"/> He refers to this as "Rationalist Reality Theatre."<ref name="Interview"/> These investigations have attracted the attention of print and television media throughout Asia.{{Citation needed|date=November 2015}} The documentary film ''Guru Busters''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eagletv.co.uk/projects/guru-busters.html|title=Eagle & Eagle  }}</ref> features Edamaruku and a team of rationalist campaigners on the road in Kerala giving public demonstrations of how to perform supposedly supernatural stunts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eagletv.co.uk/projects/guru-busters.html|title=Eagle & Eagle  }}</ref> He has helped in building Indian Atheist Publishers, which is now [[Asia|Asia's]] largest [[free thought]] publishing house. He convened the three International Rationalist Conferences held in 1995, 2000 and 2002.<ref name=zuckerman />
 
In December 2013, Edamaruku announced the launch of a new quarterly English language magazine ''The Rationalist'' on his blog.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edamaruku|first=Sanal|title=Embarking on a Great Journey|url=http://sanaledamaruku.blogspot.com/|publisher=Blogspot|accessdate=2 March 2014}}</ref> Contributors will include international rationalists on several continents and content will focus on science, reason, critical thinking and human rights.


===''The Great Tantra Challenge''===
===''The Great Tantra Challenge''===
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|accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref>
|accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref>


==2012 blasphemy case==
===Weeping crucifix investigation===
{{See also|Blasphemy law}}
{{Main|Weeping crucifix in Mumbai}}
{{Main|Weeping crucifix in Mumbai}}
In March 2012, Sanal Edamaruku investigated a report that a crucifix at Our Lady of Velankanni church in Mumbai was dripping water from the feet.<ref name="Interview">{{cite news | url=http://thehumanist.org/march-april-2013/blasphemy-free-speech-and-rationalisman-interview-withsanal-edamaruku/ | title=Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku | publisher=[[The Humanist]] |date=March–April 2013 | first=R | last=Shaffer | accessdate =2013-02-23}}{{cite news | url=http://www.laicismo.org/detalle.php?pk=19330 | title=Blasfemia, libertad de expresión, y el racionalismo: Una entrevista con Sanal Edamaruku | work=[[The Humanist]]/Europa Laicismo  |date=March 2013 | accessdate =2013-02-23}}</ref> This incident, though not claimed by the Catholic Church as a miracle,<ref>{{cite web|title=PRESS STATEMENT ON MR. SANAL EDAMARUKU|url=http://archdioceseofbombay.org/news/diocesan/press-statement-mr-sanal-edamaruku}}</ref> was believed by locals to be one. [[Sanal Edamaruku]] was invited to investigate by TV9 of Mumbai with the consent of the church authorities. He went with an engineer to the site where the alleged miracle had happened, and traced the source of the drip to the rear side. Edamaruku found that the water was seeping through the feet because of [[capillary action]] and faulty plumbing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21428714-000-miracle-buster-why-i-traced-holy-water-to-leaky-drain/|title=Miracle buster: Why I traced holy water to leaky drain|last=White|first=Jon|work=[[New Scientist]]|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/why-jesus-wept-in-mumbai-the-church-versus-the-rationalist-538657.html|title=Why Jesus wept in Mumbai: The church versus the rationalist|website=Firstpost|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> Moisture on the wall where the statue was mounted seemed to be coming from an overflowing drain, which was in turn fed by a pipe that issued from a nearby toilet.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/23/india-blasphemy-jesus-tears|title=Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=2012-11-23|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=2019-09-25|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
In March 2012, Sanal Edamaruku investigated a report that a crucifix at Our Lady of Velankanni church in Mumbai was dripping water from the feet.<ref name="Interview">{{cite news | url=http://thehumanist.org/march-april-2013/blasphemy-free-speech-and-rationalisman-interview-withsanal-edamaruku/ | title=Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku | publisher=[[The Humanist]] |date=March–April 2013 | first=R | last=Shaffer | accessdate =2013-02-23}}{{cite news | url=http://www.laicismo.org/detalle.php?pk=19330 | title=Blasfemia, libertad de expresión, y el racionalismo: Una entrevista con Sanal Edamaruku | work=[[The Humanist]]/Europa Laicismo  |date=March 2013 | accessdate =2013-02-23}}</ref> This incident, though not recognised by the Catholic Church as a miracle,<ref>{{cite web|title=PRESS STATEMENT ON MR. SANAL EDAMARUKU|url=http://archdioceseofbombay.org/news/diocesan/press-statement-mr-sanal-edamaruku}}</ref> was believed by locals to be one. Sanal Edamaruku was invited to investigate by TV9 of Mumbai with the consent of the church authorities. He went with an engineer to the site where the alleged miracle had happened, and traced the source of the drip to the rear side. Edamaruku found that the water was seeping through the feet because of [[capillary action]] and faulty plumbing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21428714-000-miracle-buster-why-i-traced-holy-water-to-leaky-drain/|title=Miracle buster: Why I traced holy water to leaky drain|last=White|first=Jon|work=[[New Scientist]]|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/why-jesus-wept-in-mumbai-the-church-versus-the-rationalist-538657.html|title=Why Jesus wept in Mumbai: The church versus the rationalist|website=Firstpost|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> Moisture on the wall where the statue was mounted seemed to be coming from an overflowing drain, which was in turn fed by a pipe that issued from a nearby toilet.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/23/india-blasphemy-jesus-tears|title=Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=2012-11-23|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=2019-09-25|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


Edamaruku mocked the Catholic Church, calling it "anti-science", and made fun of the [[Pope]], during his appearance on a television show held to discuss the investigation. A Catholic lawyer asked Edamaruku to apologise whilst on television, but he did not, so in April 2012, the [[Catholic Secular Forum]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26815298|accessdate=9 June 2016|publisher=BBC}}</ref> in [[Mumbai]] filed a complaint under [[Hate speech laws in India|Section 295(A)]] of the [[Indian Penal Code]] in several police stations around the city.<ref name="Interview"/><ref name=FIR>{{cite news|last=Ashley D'Mello & Vijay V Singh|title=FIR against rationalist, cops call him for questioning|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/mumbai/31348993_1_fir-juhu-occ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214094628/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/mumbai/31348993_1_fir-juhu-occ|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2013|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 April 2012}}</ref>
===Comments and aftermath===


The [[All India Catholic Union]] said the law was being applied incorrectly.<ref>{{cite AV media | title=A Rationalist Fights to Disprove Miracles in India | publisher=Public Radio International | date=23 Nov 2012 | medium=Audio file}}</ref> [[Colin Gonsalves]], the founder of the India Center for Human Rights and Law, stated his opinion that no criminal offence had been committed.<ref name=IBNLive>{{cite news|last=Dube|first=Priyanka|title=Indian rationalist stays in Finland fearing arrest for hurting religious sentiments|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indian-rationalist-stays-in-finland-fearing-arrest-for-hurting-religious-sentiments/308704-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208055549/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indian-rationalist-stays-in-finland-fearing-arrest-for-hurting-religious-sentiments/308704-2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 December 2012|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[IBNLive]]|date=4 December 2012}}</ref> There were further complaints that the law was being misused to suppress [[freedom of speech|free speech]].<ref name=SamanthiDissanayake/> Others spoke in his defense publicly, such as [[Vishal Dadlani]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ghose|first=Sagarika|title=Support pours in for Indian rationalist forced to live in Finland fearing arrest|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/support-pours-in-for-indian-rationalist-forced-to-live-in-finland-fearing-arrest/308896-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222102352/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/support-pours-in-for-indian-rationalist-forced-to-live-in-finland-fearing-arrest/308896-2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2013|publisher=CNN-IBN|accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref> and [[James Randi]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Randi|first=James|author-link=James Randi|title=A Matter of Very Great Concern|url=http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1746-james-randi.html|publisher=JREF|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay]] issued statements that called for Edamaruku to apologise and for the prosecution to drop the charges, although the Catholic Church is not associated with the criminal charges.<ref name="PRI" />
During a television show held to discuss the investigation, Edamaruku accused Christian priests of regularly [[scam]]ming devotees and [[defrauding]] miracles to make money, and build bigger and newer churches and convents,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Water-from-the-cross-of-Irla.-Indian-atheist-accuses-Church-of-manufacturing-miracles-for-money-24218.html |title=Archived copy |website=www.asianews.it |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002757/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Water-from-the-cross-of-Irla.-Indian-atheist-accuses-Church-of-manufacturing-miracles-for-money-24218.html |archive-date=12 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Anti-Papalism|the Pope of being "anti-science"]] and scoffed at Christians for worshipping the cross.<ref name=Firstpost>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/why-jesus-wept-in-mumbai-the-church-versus-the-rationalist-538657.html/amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925151330/https://www.firstpost.com/living/why-jesus-wept-in-mumbai-the-church-versus-the-rationalist-538657.html/amp|archive-date=25 September 2019|title=Why Jesus wept in Mumbai: The church versus the rationalist - Firstpost}}</ref> A Catholic lawyer asked Edamaruku to apologise whilst on television, which he refused to do. Such [[defamatory]] statements lead to the [[Catholic Secular Forum]] filing [[First information report]]s under [[Hate speech laws in India|Section 295(A)]] of the [[Indian Penal Code]] in April 2012.<ref name=Firstpost/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26815298|accessdate=9 June 2016|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name="Interview"/><ref name=FIR>{{cite news|last=Ashley D'Mello & Vijay V Singh|title=FIR against rationalist, cops call him for questioning|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/mumbai/31348993_1_fir-juhu-occ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214094628/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/mumbai/31348993_1_fir-juhu-occ|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2013|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 April 2012}}</ref>


On 31 July 2012 Edamaruku moved to Finland. When fellow campaigner [[Narendra Dabholkar]] was murdered in 2013, Edamaruku felt returning could put his life in peril. Edamaruku said, "I would do it again. Because any miracle which has enormous clout at one moment, is simply gone once explained. It's like a bubble. You prick it and it is finished."<ref name=SamanthiDissanayake>{{cite news|last=Dissanayake|first=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26815298|accessdate=4 June 2014|date=2 June 2014}}</ref>
The [[All India Catholic Union]] said the law was being applied incorrectly.<ref>{{cite AV media | title=A Rationalist Fights to Disprove Miracles in India | publisher=Public Radio International | date=23 Nov 2012 | medium=Audio file}}</ref> [[Colin Gonsalves]], the founder of the India Center for Human Rights and Law, stated his opinion that no criminal offence had been committed.<ref name=IBNLive>{{cite news|last=Dube|first=Priyanka|title=Indian rationalist stays in Finland fearing arrest for hurting religious sentiments|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indian-rationalist-stays-in-finland-fearing-arrest-for-hurting-religious-sentiments/308704-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208055549/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indian-rationalist-stays-in-finland-fearing-arrest-for-hurting-religious-sentiments/308704-2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 December 2012|accessdate=6 December 2013|newspaper=[[IBNLive]]|date=4 December 2012}}</ref> [[Vishal Dadlani]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ghose|first=Sagarika|title=Support pours in for Indian rationalist forced to live in Finland fearing arrest|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/support-pours-in-for-indian-rationalist-forced-to-live-in-finland-fearing-arrest/308896-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222102352/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/support-pours-in-for-indian-rationalist-forced-to-live-in-finland-fearing-arrest/308896-2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2013|publisher=CNN-IBN|accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref> and [[James Randi]] publicly spoke in Edamaraku's defense<ref>{{cite web|last=Randi|first=James|author-link=James Randi|title=A Matter of Very Great Concern|url=http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1746-james-randi.html|publisher=JREF|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref> while others accused Edamaruku of being "as much of a missionary seeking converts for his particular “ism” as the Church is for its own belief."<ref name=Firstpost/> The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay|Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay]], which was not associated with the criminal charges, called for Edamaruku to apologise and for the prosecution to drop the charges.<ref name="PRI" /><ref name=SamanthiDissanayake/> Edamaruku refused<ref name="PRI" /> and on 31 July 2012 moved to Finland.<ref name=SamanthiDissanayake>{{cite news|last=Dissanayake|first=Samanthi|title=The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26815298|accessdate=4 June 2014|date=2 June 2014}}</ref>


==Views==
==Views==
[[File:Sanal Edamaruku 601.jpg|thumb|Sanal Edamaruku speaking at [[The Amaz!ng Meeting]] (TAM) 2013 on the topic "Indian Gurus: From Flying Fakirs and Starving Saints"]]
Edamaruku is a frequent critic of [[Hindu astrology]] and other practices he deems [[superstitions|superstititious]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Guttormson|first=Joel|title=Meet the Amazing TAMers: Sanal Edamaruku Part 2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsYgB5d2W4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ogsYgB5d2W4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=TAM 2013 James Randi Educational Foundation|accessdate=28 February 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He also has accused Indian [[Godman (India)|Godmen]] of mostly being [[charlatan]]s amassing wealth and property from supposed miracles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sarkar|first=Sonia|title=Gods of Bad Things|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100328/jsp/7days/story_12272485.jsp|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref>


Edamaruku has been critical of India's [[blasphemy]] laws, describing them as "relics of colonial legislation" which have been abused to "hound and silence" intellectuals and artists who question religious beliefs. He considers it dangerous that any person may register a complaint of blasphemy against another, leading to an arrest and prolonged imprisonment until the suspect is acquitted by a court of law. Edamaruku argues that the real danger here is less the verdict and more the pre-trial "punishment".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehumanist.com/march-april-2013/blasphemy-free-speech-and-rationalisman-interview-withsanal-edamaruku/|title=Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku|publisher=The Humanist|first1=Ryan |last1=Shaffer |date=15 February 2013|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref>
Edamaruku also has been a [[criticism of Mother Teresa|critic of Mother Teresa]], publicly attacking her legacy in [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/23/india-blasphemy-jesus-tears|title=Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'|author=Henry McDonald|work=the Guardian|date=23 November 2012|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> He has spoken out against the Catholic Church's veneration of Mother Teresa and the miracle cure of [[Monica Besra]], who reportedly was cured after a medallion placed on her by nuns. Edamaruku said that her cure could be reasonably ascribed to the treatment she received in a government hospital in [[Balurghat]] and the [[North Bengal Medical College and Hospital]]. After investigating her care record the former health minister of West Bengal, Partho De, has agreed her recovery was attributable to her months of medical care. Edamaruku describes the miracle as an "obvious fraud."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Edamaruku|first1=Sanal|title=Catholic Church manufactured an ovarian miracle for Mother Teresa|url=http://churchandstate.org.uk/2016/11/catholic-church-manufactured-an-ovarian-miracle-for-mother-teresa/|website=Church and State|accessdate=19 November 2016}}</ref>
 
Edamaruku has been a [[criticism of Mother Teresa|critic of Mother Teresa]], publicly criticising her legacy in [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/23/india-blasphemy-jesus-tears|title=Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'|author=Henry McDonald|work=the Guardian|date=23 November 2012|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> He has spoken out against the Catholic Church's sainthood of Mother Teresa and the 'miracle' cure of [[Monica Besra]]. The church's evidence is based on a written testimony in English by Besra, an illiterate woman who isn't able to speak the language, claiming a cure by a medallion placed on her by nuns. Edamaruku said that her cure could be reasonably ascribed to the treatment she received in a government hospital in [[Balurghat]] and the [[North Bengal Medical College and Hospital]]. After investigating her care record the former health minister of West Bengal, Partho De, has agreed her recovery was attributable to her months of medical care. Edamaruku describes the 'miracle' as an "obvious fraud."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Edamaruku|first1=Sanal|title=Catholic Church manufactured an ovarian miracle for Mother Teresa|url=http://churchandstate.org.uk/2016/11/catholic-church-manufactured-an-ovarian-miracle-for-mother-teresa/|website=Church and State|accessdate=19 November 2016}}</ref>
 
Edamaruku frequently speaks of the potentially dangerous practice of [[superstitions]], such as [[Hindu astrology]], which is prevalent in Indian society.<ref>{{cite web|last=Guttormson|first=Joel|title=Meet the Amazing TAMers: Sanal Edamaruku Part 2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsYgB5d2W4|publisher=TAM 2013 James Randi Educational Foundation|accessdate=28 February 2014|via=YouTube}}</ref> He is a regular commentator on Indian TV channels explaining superstitions and blind belief, and is a major voice in defense of reason and scientific temper in India.<ref name="Interview"/> He has delivered lectures abroad including the US and many European countries.
 
[[Godman (India)|Godmen]] in India have often been accused of indulging in criminal activities under the guise of religion in order to procure followers, fame and funds. According to Edamaruku, most are [[charlatan]]s, and quite a few have amassed great wealth and property from "miracles" that are nothing more than sleight of hand.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sarkar|first=Sonia|title=Gods of Bad Things|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100328/jsp/7days/story_12272485.jsp|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref>


Edamaruku considers the Indian rationalist movement an "inspiring example for many western rationalists to awaken, activate and rejuvenate their own organisations", with India's rationalists being "on the frontline of the battle between science and superstition".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianrationalists.blogspot.co.uk/2006/05/why-rationalism-reflections-on-new.html|title=Why Rationalism?|first1=Sanal |last1=Edamaruku|date=28 May 2006|publisher=[[Indian Rationalist Association]]|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref>
Edamaruku considers the Indian rationalist movement an "inspiring example for many western rationalists to awaken, activate and rejuvenate their own organisations", with India's rationalists being "on the frontline of the battle between science and superstition".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianrationalists.blogspot.co.uk/2006/05/why-rationalism-reflections-on-new.html|title=Why Rationalism?|first1=Sanal |last1=Edamaruku|date=28 May 2006|publisher=[[Indian Rationalist Association]]|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
Edamaruku has been critical of India's [[blasphemy]] laws, describing them as "relics of colonial legislation" which have been abused to "hound and silence" intellectuals and artists who question religious beliefs. He considers it dangerous that any person may register a complaint of blasphemy against another, leading to an arrest and prolonged imprisonment until the suspect is acquitted by a court of law. Edamaruku argues that the real danger here is less the verdict and more the "pre-trial punishment".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehumanist.com/march-april-2013/blasphemy-free-speech-and-rationalisman-interview-withsanal-edamaruku/|title=Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku|publisher=The Humanist|first1=Ryan |last1=Shaffer |date=15 February 2013|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref>
*The Australian writer [[Greg Egan]] used the story of Edamaruku, the Indian Rationalist Association and the Tantra Challenge in his novel ''[[Teranesia]]''.
*Edamaruku appears as a character in [[Bangladeshis|Bangladeshi]] writer [[Taslima Nasreen]]'s novel ''French Lover''.
*[[Angela Saini]]'s book ''Geek Nation: How Indian Science is Taking Over the World'' has a chapter "Chariot of Gods" that describes Edamaruku's work.
 
==See also==
*[[Narendra Nayak]]
*[[Basava Premanand]]
*[[Abraham Kovoor]]
*[[Persecution of atheists in India]]


==References==
==References==
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Latest revision as of 01:30, 30 June 2022


Sanal Edamaruku
Born (1955-05-26) 26 May 1955 (age 71)
Thodupuzha, Kerala, India
Alma materUniversity of Kerala
Known forPresident of the Indian Rationalist Association and founder-President of Rationalist International
Parent(s)Joseph Edamaruku
Soley Edamaruku

Sanal Edamaruku (born 26 May 1955) is an Indian author and rationalist. He is the founder-president and editor of Rationalist International,[1] the president of the Indian Rationalist Association and the author of 25 books and other articles.[2] In 2012, after examining an alleged miracle at a local church in Mumbai and insulting the Catholic faithful, he was charged under India's hate speech laws, prompting him to move to Finland.[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Edamaruku was born in 1955 in Thodupuzha, Kerala, India to Joseph Edamaruku, an Indian scholar and author, and Soley Edamaruku.[4] Born in a Christian-Hindu mixed marriage, he was brought up without any specific religious influence. At his parents' insistence, he was the first student in India whose official school records listed "no religion".[5]

He became a rationalist-atheist activist at the age of 15, after seeing a neighbourhood athlete's death after her family refused medical treatment because they believed in faith healing.[6]

Rationalist activism[edit | edit source]

Edamaruku has been active in the Indian Rationalist Association (IRA) from the age of 15. Before becoming the president in 2005, he served as the General Secretary beginning in 1983,[7] and has been the editor of its publication Modern Freethinker. His many books and articles deal mainly with rationalistic thoughts and against superstition in India. His writings in Rationalist International are translated into English, French, German, Spanish, and Finnish.[8]

In February 2011, Edamaruku was elected as a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.[9] (USA) and is an Honorary Associate of New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists and Rationalist Association of UK (formerly Rationalist Press Association).[10]

Edamaruku conducted investigation and campaigns in Indian villages, targeting mystics, god men and practices he deems superstitious.[4] He refers to this as "Rationalist Reality Theatre."[4] The documentary film Guru Busters shows Edamaruku and a team of rationalist campaigners on the road in Kerala demonstrations of how to perform supposedly supernatural stunts.[11] He has helped in building Indian Atheist Publishers, which is now Asia's largest atheist publishing house. He convened the three International Rationalist Conferences held in 1995, 2000 and 2002.[8] In December 2013, Edamaruku launched a new quarterly English language magazine The Rationalist on his blog.[12]

The Great Tantra Challenge[edit | edit source]

Main article: The Great Tantra Challenge

On 3 March 2008, while appearing on a panel TV show, Edamaruku challenged a tantrik to demonstrate his powers by killing him using only magic.[4] The live show on India TV where the tantrik chanted mantras and performed a ceremony received a large boost in ratings. After his attempts failed, the tantrik reported that Edamaruku must be under the protection of a powerful god, to which Edamaruku responded that he is an atheist.[13][14]

Weeping crucifix investigation[edit | edit source]

Main article: Weeping crucifix in Mumbai

In March 2012, Sanal Edamaruku investigated a report that a crucifix at Our Lady of Velankanni church in Mumbai was dripping water from the feet.[4] This incident, though not recognised by the Catholic Church as a miracle,[15] was believed by locals to be one. Sanal Edamaruku was invited to investigate by TV9 of Mumbai with the consent of the church authorities. He went with an engineer to the site where the alleged miracle had happened, and traced the source of the drip to the rear side. Edamaruku found that the water was seeping through the feet because of capillary action and faulty plumbing.[16][17] Moisture on the wall where the statue was mounted seemed to be coming from an overflowing drain, which was in turn fed by a pipe that issued from a nearby toilet.[18]

Comments and aftermath[edit | edit source]

During a television show held to discuss the investigation, Edamaruku accused Christian priests of regularly scamming devotees and defrauding miracles to make money, and build bigger and newer churches and convents,[19] and the Pope of being "anti-science" and scoffed at Christians for worshipping the cross.[20] A Catholic lawyer asked Edamaruku to apologise whilst on television, which he refused to do. Such defamatory statements lead to the Catholic Secular Forum filing First information reports under Section 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code in April 2012.[20][21][4][22]

The All India Catholic Union said the law was being applied incorrectly.[23] Colin Gonsalves, the founder of the India Center for Human Rights and Law, stated his opinion that no criminal offence had been committed.[24] Vishal Dadlani,[25] and James Randi publicly spoke in Edamaraku's defense[26] while others accused Edamaruku of being "as much of a missionary seeking converts for his particular “ism” as the Church is for its own belief."[20] The Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay, which was not associated with the criminal charges, called for Edamaruku to apologise and for the prosecution to drop the charges.[14][27] Edamaruku refused[14] and on 31 July 2012 moved to Finland.[27]

Views[edit | edit source]

Edamaruku is a frequent critic of Hindu astrology and other practices he deems superstititious.[28] He also has accused Indian Godmen of mostly being charlatans amassing wealth and property from supposed miracles.[29]

Edamaruku also has been a critic of Mother Teresa, publicly attacking her legacy in Kolkata.[30] He has spoken out against the Catholic Church's veneration of Mother Teresa and the miracle cure of Monica Besra, who reportedly was cured after a medallion placed on her by nuns. Edamaruku said that her cure could be reasonably ascribed to the treatment she received in a government hospital in Balurghat and the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. After investigating her care record the former health minister of West Bengal, Partho De, has agreed her recovery was attributable to her months of medical care. Edamaruku describes the miracle as an "obvious fraud."[31]

Edamaruku considers the Indian rationalist movement an "inspiring example for many western rationalists to awaken, activate and rejuvenate their own organisations", with India's rationalists being "on the frontline of the battle between science and superstition".[32]

Edamaruku has been critical of India's blasphemy laws, describing them as "relics of colonial legislation" which have been abused to "hound and silence" intellectuals and artists who question religious beliefs. He considers it dangerous that any person may register a complaint of blasphemy against another, leading to an arrest and prolonged imprisonment until the suspect is acquitted by a court of law. Edamaruku argues that the real danger here is less the verdict and more the "pre-trial punishment".[33]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Rationalist International".
  2. ↑ Pinter, Andras; Levin, Jelena; Bockman, Pontus (13 May 2016). "Episode #22, Featuring Sanal Edamaruku". The European Skeptics Podcast. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  3. ↑ Dissanayake, Samanthi (2 June 2014). "The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland". BBC. BBC.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Shaffer, R (March–April 2013). "Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku". The Humanist. Retrieved 23 February 2013."Blasfemia, libertad de expresión, y el racionalismo: Una entrevista con Sanal Edamaruku". The Humanist/Europa Laicismo. March 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  5. ↑ Kumar, Shikha. "I thought Jesus was Cinderella's brother". DNA India. Diligent Media Corporation. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  6. ↑ Lad, Vrushali (6 May 2012). "Batting for reason in a land of faith". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  7. ↑ Quack, Johannes (2012). Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-19-981260-8.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Zuckerman, Phil (2010). Atheism and Secularity. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-313-35181-5.
  9. ↑ "CSI announces new Fellows". Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  10. ↑ "Rationalist Association (UK) Board of Directors and Supporters". Archived from the original on 8 March 2012.
  11. ↑ "Eagle & Eagle".
  12. ↑ Edamaruku, Sanal. "Embarking on a Great Journey". Blogspot. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  13. ↑ "The Great Tantra Challenge". Archived from the original on 18 March 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2008.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "India TV's Great Tantra Challenge". National Public Radio. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
  15. ↑ "PRESS STATEMENT ON MR. SANAL EDAMARUKU".
  16. ↑ White, Jon. "Miracle buster: Why I traced holy water to leaky drain". New Scientist. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  17. ↑ "Why Jesus wept in Mumbai: The church versus the rationalist". Firstpost. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  18. ↑ McDonald, Henry (23 November 2012). "Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  19. ↑ "Archived copy". www.asianews.it. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Why Jesus wept in Mumbai: The church versus the rationalist - Firstpost". Archived from the original on 25 September 2019.
  21. ↑ Dissanayake, Samanthi. "The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland". BBC. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  22. ↑ Ashley D'Mello & Vijay V Singh (16 April 2012). "FIR against rationalist, cops call him for questioning". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  23. ↑ A Rationalist Fights to Disprove Miracles in India (Audio file). Public Radio International. 23 November 2012.
  24. ↑ Dube, Priyanka (4 December 2012). "Indian rationalist stays in Finland fearing arrest for hurting religious sentiments". IBNLive. Archived from the original on 8 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  25. ↑ Ghose, Sagarika. "Support pours in for Indian rationalist forced to live in Finland fearing arrest". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 22 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  26. ↑ Randi, James. "A Matter of Very Great Concern". JREF. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Dissanayake, Samanthi (2 June 2014). "The Indian miracle-buster stuck in Finland". Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  28. ↑ Guttormson, Joel. "Meet the Amazing TAMers: Sanal Edamaruku Part 2". TAM 2013 James Randi Educational Foundation. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2014 – via YouTube.
  29. ↑ Sarkar, Sonia. "Gods of Bad Things". The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  30. ↑ Henry McDonald (23 November 2012). "Jesus wept … oh, it's bad plumbing. Indian rationalist targets 'miracles'". the Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  31. ↑ Edamaruku, Sanal. "Catholic Church manufactured an ovarian miracle for Mother Teresa". Church and State. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  32. ↑ Edamaruku, Sanal (28 May 2006). "Why Rationalism?". Indian Rationalist Association. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  33. ↑ Shaffer, Ryan (15 February 2013). "Blasphemy, Free Speech, and Rationalism: An Interview with Sanal Edamaruku". The Humanist. Retrieved 2 November 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]

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