As my journey towards the civil service exams ended in 2019, I’ve taken a long hiatus from any meaningful learning or academic pursuance. Barring a short stint along with my friends to run a website “The Democratic Debate”, where we post about our views on the current affairs, I’ve not written anything related to society.
So for my famished & intellectually thirst mind, the FIRA (Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations) 13th National Conference, was a boon. My dear friend, Mutharasan introduced me to the conference. I was immediately taken by the idea and the opportunity to meet, socialise & network with like-minded people was too good to pass. The conference also had many academic sessions & we (Mutharasan & myself) chose to present a paper on “The Impact of New Criminal Laws on Rationalists, Activists & Citizens”.
Both Muthu & I prepared for civil service exams and both have similar outlook / concern for the society. So, the decision was a no-brainer to us. However, we didn’t have any in-depth exposure / experience with the criminal laws. We have read the Indian Constitution multiple times in the past during our preparation days. Our engineering background didn’t help us either. So, what we had was a shallow paper with our interpretation of the new laws, the way in which it was drafted, enacted & how it is being enforced.
The outline of the paper / presentation that we had was
- A Disastrous Start to Safeguard Democracy – Explaining how the laws were smuggled into the gazette.
- A Criminal Justice System that is Devoid of Lingual Justice – Explaining how the laws violate the naming convention & how it alienates a large chunk of people.
- Not All That Glitters, is Gold; The New Laws – Gold Plated Stone Tablets – Explaining how the new laws retain 95% of the old laws & doesn’t have the much required progressive interpretation.
- Stealing the Sovereignty from the People of India – Explaining how the BNS 152 & other sections are worse than the erstwhile IPC Sec. 124A (Sedition)
- Continuation of a Colonial Legacy – The Unique Position of Governor – Explaining why BNS 151 needs to go.
- Stifling the Opposition & Silencing the Public – Explaining how BNS Sections 189, 190 can be used against opposition.
- Ignominy of Impunity – Explaining why punishments for public servants in BNS Sections 198 through 203 should be stricter.
- The Way Ahead – Explaining the need for a coordinated concentrated effort from the rationalists, Ambedkarites, Periyarists, Communists, activists and even from the legal wings of political parties & all democratic forces.
When we submitted the paper for perusal, we didn’t expect B.N.S. Section 152 to be used as nonchalantly as the IPC Sec 124A. However, we were wrong & the Uttar Pradesh police had invoked B.N.S. 152 along with 196 in the case of Alt-News Co-Founder, Mr. Mohammed Zubaire. Such blanket provisions in the criminal laws should be amended at the earliest for the continuation / restoration of democracy in India.
Day 1 – December 28th, 2024
I travelled from Puducherry to Tiruchirapalli on 27th December, 2024. Due to paucity of time & our professional commitments we didn’t have much time to prepare for the presentation. I ended up doing the same up to 06:00 in the morning on the conference day. After a short nap of 90 minutes, I got ready for the conference.
Muthu, along with his Rationalists Forum Comrade, Pethiah, & I went to the location after an express breakfast. We registered & went inside the event hall. The event preparations were carried out in a professional manner. There were more than almost a 1000 rationalists from around the country. Of course, the bulk of them were from தமிழ் நாடு as it is the event location & the hosts for this edition of the FIRA National Conference.
The inauguration, cultural programmes, talks by eminent personalities took a little longer than scheduled & as a result we had reduced time for each presentation. The first academic session (Theme – Centenary of Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement) had a special address by eminent Dravidian Scholar, Prof. Suba. Veerapandian.
The second one, our session (Theme – Impact of New Criminal laws on Rationalists, Activists & Citizens.) had the special address by Senior Advocate, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Dr.A.Thiyagarajan.
The third session (Theme – The Letter & Spirit of Article 51A(h)) was addressed by Advocate & Former Minister of State for Law & Justice, Mr.K. Venkatapathy.
We had opportunities to (briefly) interact with all these stalwarts & other champions like Dr.K.Veeramani, Prof. Narendra Nayak on Day 1.
After the paper presentation, we had the sumptuous lunch that was prepared for all the participants. Tasty mutton biriyani & some vegetarian dishes.
After the sessions of the day, we had visited Puthur Periyar Maaligai. The place housed the vehicle that Periyar had used during his days. We also got the opportunity to meet Dr. K. Veeramani there.
December 28th was incidentally the Mutharasan’s birthday & the ended with his treat. After the treat we decided to spend some time on the banks of Cauvery. So, we reached Ammaa Mandapam, Thiruvarangam & finally reached Nochiyam.
Day 2 – December 29th, 2024
Sunday was supposed to start early with the attendees visiting the Periyar World. However, we had slightly overslept & we decided to visit the upcoming Periyar World some other time. So, we went to the venue after our breakfast & attended the events of the day.
Later we had the opportunity to meet, Mr. Sathyaraj who had come to Trichy to speak in the evening’s public meeting at Puthur Crossroads. After sharing pleasantries & a short interaction we came back to the venue and was part of the academic sessions.
We had a short interaction with Dr. Narendra Nayak before the lunch. We had interacted & networked with many rationalists from different parts of the country. I’ve previously watched some of the YouTube videos in which the professor reaches far-off villages as a “God-man” & then dispel the superstitions and beliefs about magic among the common folk. Sure enough children would immediately surround him and ask him about how he creates miracles. He would explain the science behind those “miracles” & bring those kids to the path of rationalism.
The national conference came to a close and we all started from the venue to our room. After freshening up at the room, we reached the public meeting.
The Public Meeting in the Evening
Public meeting took place in one of the most famous locations of Tiruchirapalli, Puthur Crossroads (புத்தூர் நாலு ரோடு).
The meeting was inaugurated with a short speech by Dr.K.Veeramani. Distinguished parliamentarian Mr.A.Raja made the principal address. While the DMK party has erred too much away from the DK way, it is only a few old guards like Mr. Raja, Trichy Siva still stick to the Dravidian roots of the party. Listening to his speech was surreal for me.
A self-respect wedding happened on the stage & all these great personalities wished the newly-wedded for their happy life.
I was looking forward to interact with the M.P. However, he had to go early as it was about to rain & he had a long travel.
Then Mr. Sathyaraj, one of the few rationalist actors in the Tamil film industry gave a speech on practicality & how rationalism keeps his life simple & grounded.
Dr. Narendra Nayak gave a wonderful speech that was thoroughly inspiring. Finally Dr.K.Veeramani gave an elaborate speech about the need for rationalism & how superstitions and regressive practices are spoiling the society.
It was coincidental that the event was ending & it started to rain. My friend from Trichy, Selva Kumar had come to the event location. After a small chat, we went to the room, packed my bags, bid farewell to Mutharasan, Pethiah, Thozhar. Thirupathi & started from the room.
After a small supper, I started to Puducherry. It was a fulfilling & much-needed escapade from my mundane routine. It rejuvenated & helped me to end the 2024 on a positive note.
