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   » Home -> Tamil Eelam -> Tamil Diaspora -> Canada

We have to build a society with a scientific temper for progress - Nakkeeran

By: Nakkeeran
Courtesy: TamilCanadian - September 29, 2007

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Accuses Indian astrologers of exploiting gulliblity of sick Tamils

Is it possible for Thamils to queue up in their hundreds in Toronto which is littered with more than 60 Hindu temples to buy a book which convincingly denounces astrology as a pseudo science? The answer is a resounding "yes" !

Canada Kandasamy temple hall overflowed with people on September 08, 2007 (Saturday) for the release of the book "Astrology is Hoax" (Sothidap Puraddu). Easily this was the largest crowd ever to attend a book release event in Toronto barring books authored by LTTE political advisor late Thiru Anton Balasingham and Adele Balasingham.

The function commenced with the lighting of the lamp, singing of Bharathiyar's Thamil anthem and a welcome dance by Saraniya Anandarajah and Sindujah Vivekanandan - students of Vassu Sinnarasa master.

M.K.Eelaventhan, MP was the chief guest and the function was presided over by Nakkeeran who is also the author of the book Sothidap Puraddu.

Thirumathy Bavani Tharmakulasingham welcomed the guest and the gathering.

Delivering his special address Thiru M.K. Eelaventhan, MP said "the 600 page book could be described as the magnum opus of Nakkeeran. The author quoting extensively from astronomical works has convincingly proved that astrology is indeed a hoax without any scientific basis. It is highly ridiculous for any one to think in the context of today's human advancement in space exploration across the solar system and scientific discoveries that heavenly objects like planets and stars that are millions and millions of miles away determine, even remotely, the fate of individuals living in this world." Speaking further Eelaventhan said "astrology is a superstitious belief that had become the curse of our society. Saivait Saints like Gnanasampathar rejected the notion that planets are capable of harming or influencing individuals."

Earlier a power - point presentation explaining the birth of the universe (The Big Bank Theory), formation galaxies, stars and solar systems, how the motions of planets around the sun were solved by Copernican Heliocentric Universe as opposed to Aristotle's Geocentric Universe, the scientific explanation for the cause of sun and moon eclipses etc. The presentation designed by Thirumagal Balakumar and presented by Nakkeeran was well appreciated by the audience.

The author of the book was introduced to the audience by Thiru Raj Gunanathan, president of Tamil Rehabilitation Organization.

The first copy of the book was received by Thiru. and Thirumathy. Chelvanayagam, Martyr family.

Thirumathy Vaanathy, editor Muzhakkam and Thiru Shanmugam Kugathasan, Executive Director, Academy of Arts and Technology critiqued the book.

Chief Guest Thiru M.K.Eelaventhan was garlanded by Thiru. Raj Gunanathan, president TRO, Thiru V.Thurairajah, President Tamil Eelam Society and Thiru K.Ganeshalingam, president Academy of Tamil Arts and Technology. Thiru Sitha Sittampalam, president World Tamil Movement and Thiru K.Sivasekeram, vice-president TRO honoured the guest by covering him with golden shawls. Prof.Joseph Chandrakanthan, president Tamil Canadian Congress (CTC) gave away the Memorial plaque.

A play titled "Whose Child?" was staged by Thiru Rasaiah and Thirumathy Meera Rasaiah and Venthan. It was directed by Thiru Sivam Paramanathan.

Thiru Nakkeeran in his acceptance speech emphasised the need to get rid of the Tamil society of superstitious beliefs and create scientific temper among the people for progress. He criticised the dozens of Indian astrologers who have opened shops in Toronto. He accused them of exploiting the gullibility of sick Tamils and extracting thousands of dollars to get of their alleged thoshas. He appealed to the audience to drive these astrologers out of Toronto and back to India. He thanked all and everyone for the show of support and presence. He especially thanked the chief guest who has flown via Tokyo to attend the event.

Published: Oct 01, 2007 13:05:22 GMT



Comments [ 3 ]:

Thamizhnampi from Canada on Oct 03, 2007 3:36:04 GMT

I agree to some extent with Karikalan when he says "our ancestors did everything (!) according to scientific knowledge..". But there should be a limit to supertitions imagination. Did Kannapa Nayanar do surgery on a stone stature plastering his human eye on to the stone eye? What a 'purana' storey? This is a good spin for a Harry Potter like book and nothing else. And he is right.. we have to blame our supertitous men and women who go to Astrologers, pay homage, exhibit their ignorance and on top of it all lose their hard earned money on foolish believes. As long as people remain foolish and ignorant there will be exploiters of such people.So let us educate & enlighten them to see the truth

karikalan1 from United Kingdom on Oct 02, 2007 20:01:33 GMT

I do not accept this concept of everything about astrology is wrong and the science of today is much superior. As a Tamil I do believe our ancestors did everything according to scientific knowledge like medicine, surgery and architecture. Kannapa Nayanar did eye transplant many moons ago. I am not denying the fact that many swamys and astrologers miss use the people's faith by exploiting them. It is our responsibility not to fall for bait without blaming the system.

veeran from USA on Oct 02, 2007 13:26:21 GMT

Even as child I found astrology, which the whole village believed and practice rediculous. My learning and old age have not given anything to think otherwise. I smile and listen to the aredent believers and do not contradict them for fear that I may inadverently dislodge the foundation of their emotional well being. Many people console themselves when an external force that cannot be changed is responsible for their failure. Most importantly, those who have lost their loved onew, especially the young ones, the living are consoled that the death was inevitable and they had no control. Not all have the ability to be rational when it comes to Astrology. It is religion to them.


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