Prime Minister Modi's Mann Ki Baat Delivers a Meaningful Message Against Superstition and in Favour of Scientific Temper: Dr. Dinesh Mishra

Adopting a scientific outlook is the need of the hour.

Senior ophthalmologist and President of the Andh Shraddha Nirmulan Samiti, Dr. Dinesh Mishra, said that superstition, social evils, and the lack of a scientific temper continue to expose thousands of innocent people across the country to physical, mental, and economic abuse. Women, in particular, are subjected to inhuman torture after being branded as witches (Dayan/Tonhi), and in many cases they are even murdered. This situation is deeply alarming and poses a serious challenge to a civilized society.

Dr. Mishra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, has brought an important social issue to national attention by urging people to adopt a scientific outlook and reject superstition. The Prime Minister emphasized that superstition is not merely a false belief; it is a fear that distances people from reason, critical thinking, and truth.

Dr. Mishra stated that the Andh Shraddha Nirmulan Samiti has been conducting public awareness campaigns against superstition, the Tonhi (witch-branding) practice, and other harmful social customs for the past three decades. During this period, the organization has helped protect thousands of women from persecution after being falsely accused of witchcraft. The committee has also been continuously engaged in providing treatment, rehabilitation, and restoring the dignity of affected women within society.

Welcoming the Prime Minister's focus on this critical issue, Dr. Mishra said that it would give fresh momentum to efforts aimed at eliminating superstition and promoting scientific temper throughout the country. He urged the Government of India to enact a strong and effective national law to prevent superstition, witch-branding (Dayan/Tonhi), and the violence and persecution committed in their name, so that every citizen—especially women and vulnerable sections of society—can receive justice and protection.

— Dr. Dinesh Mishra