HJS’s Open letter to MP Shantaram Naik

To,
Shri Shanataram Naik
Member of Rajya Sabha
Margao �Goa

Dear Sir,

Sub: Clarification of your statements made in the Rajya Sabha debate on Tuesday, May 16, 2006.

With reference to the following debate made by you in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, May 16, 2006:

SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK (GOA): Sir, all TV channels are supposed to propagate Scientific temper rather than superstitions. Recently, we have seen that all young people in the country are praying for Sachin Tendulkar’s form to be returned, because he is undergoing medical treatment. But he went to some places for removal of Sarpa Dosha
and that was very much projected by all TV channels and print media. When the
Constitution commits itself to the removal of superstition and increasing the scientific
temper, why should TV channels propagate Sarpa Dosha Nivarana of Sachin Tendulkar,
while young boys feel that he has got some medical problem, he should return to his form and return to the field after getting medical treatment? Why should we propagate it?

(Ends)

It implies the following

Sarpadosha Nivaran is superstition.
Sarpadosha Nivaran is unscientific.
Therefore TV channels and print media should not propagate Sarpadosha Nivaran of Sachin Tendulkar or others.

You have implied that Sarpadosha Nivaran is superstition. Actually Sarpadosh Nivaran is an ancient religious ritual in Hindu Dharma, performed to counter the ill effects of Sarpadosha, which can be recognized by the use of the ancient science of Astrology. By this statement you have also indirectly implied that Astrology is superstition. We would like you to clarify on what basis you came to this conclusion that Sarpadosha Nivaran is superstition.

Secondly you have implied that Sarpadosha Nivaran is unscientific. We would like you to clarify on what basis you came to this conclusion that Sarpadosha Nivaran is unscientific.

Thirdly it would have been appropriate if you would have given adequate reasons for statement of not allowing propagation of Sarpadosha Nivaran of Sachin Tendulkar by TV channels and print media. In this context I am hereby giving news published in

‘The Hindu Daily’ on 5th April 2006

Minister performs `Rahu Ketu’ puja

Staff Reporter

DRAWN BY FAITH: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi at Srikalahasti on Tuesday. Temple trust board chairman Kola Anand is also seen.

TIRUPATI: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi, along with her family members, offered prayers at the famous Srikalahasteeswara temple at Srikalahasti, 40 km from here, on Tuesday.

Ms. Lakshmi took part in the Rudrabhishekam’ ritual and also performed the famous `Rahu Ketu’ puja, which is believed to ward off `Sarpadosha’.

Until you clarify these things it will mean what Hindus believe for generations is superstition. This amounts to an attack on Hindu faith.

Awaiting your reply,

Yours Sincerely

Dr Manoj V. Solanki
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (Goa)
Spokesperson.