CHARVAKA

Rationalism. Secularism. Freedom

Human Rights

  • Deepti weds Sandesh

    NARENDRA NAYAK

    The union of Deepti and Sandesh triumphed over deep-rooted caste prejudice, intense family opposition, and threats from right-wing vigilantes. Since Karnataka does not recognize self-respect marriages for formal legal registration, this ceremony served as a necessary symbolic ritual—organized with rationalist support—to secure official protection and registration for the brave couple.

  • Superstitions and Human Rights

    NARENDRA NAYAK

    Broadcast on All India Radio, this insightful talk by Prof. Narendra Nayak examines how superstitious beliefs and religious dogmas systematically infringe upon fundamental human rights. Covering issues from caste discrimination to gender inequality and mental health abuses, the article underscores why rational thinking and secular law must prevail over outdated traditions.

  • Copenhagen Declaration on Religion in Public Life

    CHARVAKA DESK

    This historic manifesto, adopted at the 2010 World Atheist Conference in Copenhagen, outlines fundamental principles for democratic governance. It advocates strict state neutrality, freedom of conscience, equal rights for non-believers, secular education, and the abolition of blasphemy laws and religious courts to preserve scientific inquiry and individual liberty.

  • Sex, Lies and Religion

    NARENDRA NAYAK

    This article critiques the pervasive hypocrisy surrounding religious celibacy, linking enforced sexual suppression across different faiths to clerical scandals, child abuse, and moral double standards. The author advocates stripping religious figures of special legal and social privileges, arguing for treating them as ordinary mortals subject to standard legal frameworks.

  •  Ayesha Yasmin in Sri Venkataramana Swami College!

    NARENDRA NAYAK

    This article analyzes the burkha controversy at S.V.S. College, Bantwal, exploring the friction between institutional dress codes, individual expression, and religious symbols. The author examines the rationalist dilemma regarding state neutrality, questioning whether strict secularism, like the French model banning all religious symbols in public institutions, is achievable in India’s complex communal environment.