Youth Convention held at Ahmedabad

Indian Radical Humanist Association (Gujarat) had organisad a Youth Convention on 9th December, 2009 at Ahmedabad. The subjects of the convention was “Obstacles to World Peace,” “Humanism and Scientific Temper” and “Position of Women in our Society.”

Dr. Sudarshan Iyangar (Vice- Chancellor, Gujarat Vidhyapith) inaguarated the convention and spoke on Gandhi, Peace and Education.

Then after veteran Radical Humanist Proff. Dhaval Mehta and Proff. Jaynti Patel delivered their views on Humanism and Scientific Temper. Dhaval Mehta while discussing the clash of religion and scientific aptitude, emphasised on developing a rational thinking which will curb anti-scientific attitude. Jayanti Patel laid stress on birth rights, equality and no exploitation. While speaking on the subject “Humanism and Scientific Temper” Vinod Jain President IRHA drew attention to scientists like Copernicus Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Darwin and Mendel Whose work during the European Renaissance dissipated the ignorance and darkness of the Middle Ages. Einstein and others in our age completed the Mission.

M.N. Roy, modern Indian’s only philosopher defined philosophy as a science of sciences. He gave the philosophy of New Humanism based on the knowledge of modern science. It says search for truth and quest for freedom have been two basic endeavors of man throughout history. It says because life as well as man has evolved out of physical nature, and because the universe around is law-governed, therefore the ability to be rational and moral is innate in his. These factors make it possible to improve the lot of entire humanity. All those present including the 40 students heard the speakers attentively.

In the afternoon session Dr. Illa Pathak (President, Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group (AWAG) ) and Dr. Pushpa Motiyani (Head Shanti Sansodhan Kendra, Gujarat Vidhyapith) detailed the position women in our society.

Then award ceremony of Gujarat participants for essay competition was held. Dr. Vidhyut Joshi (Former Chancellor of Bhavnagar University ) gave away the prizes to the award winning students of Gujarats.

Winners of Essay Competition of Gujarat :

(1) Gohil Charan A. (Rajkot)
(2) Khuman Miral B. (Surendranagar)
(3) Bhalia Kishorbhai Samanthbhai (Vanda Dist. Amarali)
(4) Bhambhor Shaileshbhai Kanubhai (Ahmedabad)
(5) Dhaval Dholakiya (Junagadh)
(6) Tanna Shradha Mukeshbhai (Rajkot)

The Youth Convention presented perspectives like the struggle between religions and science, humanism and humanitarian attitude, human rights violation and the status of women.