Homage to a Departed Rationalist Colleague Ja.Ho.Naryanaswamy
Ja.Ho.Naryanaswamy was a lawyer by profession, a fellow rationalist by conviction and an activist by choic. He was a staunch opponent of superstitions and had recently led a campaign against the alleged miracle at the temple of Hasanamba near Hassan which draws lakhs of devotees from all over to witness a ‘miracle’ of a lamp lit the previous year before closure and sealing of the premises in the presence of the district authorities and would remain so when the lock would be opened next year. It was also claimed that the flowers would be fresh and not dried out though many months had elapsed since they were placed. It was on the day of closing the temple after keeping it open for some days that he passed away at the age of 77 from a heart attack on 9th inst.
He was actively associated with the Bharatiya Gnana Vijnana Samithi and a number of rationalist, secular, progressive organizations. He was leading the campaign against the claims of miracles and it was due to his efforts that the committee in charge of the Hasanamba temple took an ambiguous stand that the miracle is only for those who believe in it! Then, the district administration banned all cameras and photographic equipment from the premises when the lock was going to be opened this time to prevent any untoward incidents. He was the one who brought the progressive elements of teachings of Vivekananda to the people. He took part actively in many social movements too.
We rationalists understand that death is an inevitable end of every human being. We remember the work done by our colleagues and celebrate their achievements in life. JaHo as he was popularly called- we shall continue your mission and always cherish your contribution to make this world a better, more just place.
Narendra Nayak
President, Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations.