In the midst of the din over the Lokpal and the terrible treatment of an Indian woman diplomat, something nice also happened in India. After a three-day debate, the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2013, or the Anti-Superstition Bill, was passed (Dec.19). It is a joyful moment for the friends and family of Narendra Dabholkar and the Maharashtra Andh-Shradha Nirmulan Samiti which has worked tirelessly to make this happen. It takes forward the work of mass education started by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule in the 19th century. Now that Maharashtra has shown the country the way forward, let us hope that enlightened ideas and progressive forces globalise India.
Bhupendra Yadav,
Bangalore
