A seminar was organised by the post-graduate department of Anthropology of Vinoba Bhave University on the topic witch practice and other social evils. Ex-CM Arjun Munda was the chief guest of this seminar, while senior journalist of the State Vijay Bhasker was the chief speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Ex-CM Arjun Munda said that witch practice is a social evil of the State which has taken many lives. Talking about some other social evils prevalent in the State, Munda said that by making the people educated and providing them better health facilities these evils can be checked.
Praising the organiser for choosing the topic Munda said that it is the responsibility of the universities to have discussions on such type of issues which benefit the society. “But unfortunately in recent times in some universities, discussions on topics which are unacceptable have started, which will divide the society,” he said. After making this indirect statement on JNU episode Munda talked about religions and superstitions related to them and said that everyone has the right to believe in his religion, but it doesn’t mean that one can harm the society or country in the name of religion.
Senior journalist Vijay Bhasker said that witch practice and other social evils are also common even in developed countries. Giving examples of USA, Finland, Denmark, Newzeeland and some other countries he said that here we take it seriously because most of the people here are illiterate and are puzzled with the struggle of life. “Evils or misbelieves are of two types, one is personal and other is social. Personal evil is harmless while social harms the society,” he added.
VC Prof. Gurdeep Singh said that the ethnic people of our state are actually treasures of knowledge but due to some evils and misbelieves they remain cut off from the main stream. It is our responsibility to educate them and to include them in the main stream of our society. HoD Ganga Nath Jha entered the topic while PVC Dr. MP Sinha presented vote of thanks.