Babu Gogineni

The popular image of Kerala is that it is a progressive and modern state. But its government recently reiterated its support for the ban on entry of young women to Lord Ayyappa’s temple on Sabarimala Hill. The developments in Kerala moved the legislature of neighbouring Karnataka state to protest, but it has left the pathetically backward leaders of the Travancore Devaswom Board unmoved. How long can this egregious violation of the fundamental rights of women be tolerated, asks Babu Gogineni.

Chers camarades,

Aujourd'hui, c'est le 10 décembre. C'est le jour o๠a été proclamée la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l'Homme, il y a 57 ans. Le premier des Droits de l'Homme, c'est la liberté de conscience - la pensée, l'esprit critique, les émotions et la créativité artistique et scientifique - c'est ce qui nous définit comme des àªtres humains. Le pouvoir et la capacité de juger par nous-màªme et de distinguer le bon du mauvais et de mener des actions en harmonie avec ces conclusions - c'est cela qui nous donne une conscience, et c'est ce qui distingue les Hommes des autres formes de vie - c'est ce qui nous donne note dignité humaine.

The mind-numbing tragedy of the Asian tsunami, the devastating hurricanes in the Americas, the terrible floods in Asia, and the horrible earthquake in Kashmir - we have had ample reminders of nature's awesome power in recent months. IHN pays tribute to the resilience of the tens of millions of victims who are rebuilding their lives with determination, and to the world community which so generously stepped forward to help victims of these natural disasters.

IHEU's Executive Director, Babu Gogineni, is to speak at a demonstration in London against Canada's faith-based courts. The demonstration, organised by International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada, will be held outside the Canadian High Commission in Grosvenor Square on September 8th, 2005, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.

IHEU Executive Director Babu Gogineni is to speak at the Group Representatives Annual Meeting (GRAM) of the Humanist Groups Network. GRAM is to be held in London, UK on 20 November 2004.

His subject will be The IHEU (International Humanist and Ethical Union) and local humanism - "Twinning".