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Sacramento will be lucky to have a visit by internationally known Humanist and Indian Social Reformer, Dr G. Vijayam, of The Atheist Centre (A.C.) in Vijayawada, India.
He will be in the US for the annual World Humanist Congress in Wash., D.C., and is being sponsored by AOF to come to Sacramento, JUNE 19-22. SEE CALENDAR at the left.
You will have three planned events to interact with him. First, on Friday, June 20, a 5PM supper meeting--call 974-7922 for details. Come meet him; he wants to meet local Free-Thought community.
Second, on Sunday, June 22, from 1—2:30 PM, Dr. Vijayam will present at the UUSS Forum at from 1:00—2:30 PM. Finally, Dr. Vijayam plans to attend the HAGSA summer solstice potluck (at the home of Michael Newdow) as a guest later that afternoon. The potluck runs from 3—6 PM.
In addition, we may have additional dinner get-togethers and jointly show him around the town, He wants to meet local Free-Thinkers. DO let us know if you are interested in joining these opportunities to meet him, and if you will help with his stay in any way. Contact AOF Voice-mail at 447 3589, or 974 7922, if you wish to be so notified, or for itinerary updates.
Dr Vijayam is Exec. Dir. of The A.C. in Vijayawada, India. He has spoken and written widely and notably. His bio and breadth are impressive. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Andhra University were he received awards in social sciences. He holds the highest degree in Hindi from Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Madras.
He has been Director of Research at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi, for 5 yrs, and is still a member of their Governing Body.
His father, Gora, founded The Atheist Centre in 1940. He specifically wanted to maintain the “Atheist” title and work for Secularity in government and culture, in order to counter the negative and sometimes cruel aspects of theism, with truth-based programs fighting superstition, sexism, and blind fatalistic beliefs.
Gora worked with Gandhi in the liberation of India and quotes Gandhi as saying “I can neither say my theism is right nor your atheism is wrong. We are seekers after truth.” According to Lavanam, another son of Gora, “Gandhi was echoing the Indian tradition of accepting atheism as a path to seeking truth”.
Dr V’s family has run this unique and successful organization for over 60 yrs. The A.C. has been successfully engaged in broad range of Social Reform. It has been called “The Crown Jewel of Atheism”.
It has especially worked for cultural and legislative changes for the eradication of the Untouchable Caste, and customs such as “devadasi” (killing or induced suicides of widows or deserted women). Its Secular Social Work has included humane assistance, governmental and social reform in many areas, including economic equality and women’s independence. The Centre has Science Exhibits, promotes environmental consciousness, runs an Association for Economic Equality, sponsors Medical camps, runs a working women’s hostel and women’s shelter. It provides education programs, such as adult literacy, health awareness, sex education, and family planning, encouraging a small family norm, and environmental awareness.
The A.C. was given the International Humanist Award at the World Humanist Congress held in Oslo in 1986. Discover this amazing social institution and its wonderful work at http://atheistcentre.in or, http://positiveatheism.org/india/lavintro.htm
