Visit of Dr. Goparaju Vijayam June 24, 2008The Atheist Coalition of San Diego announces a special guest speaker: Indian Atheist Leader Dr. Goparaju Vijayam, on his first U.S. tour.
Dr. Vijayam is the Executive Director of the Atheist Centre of Vijawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Atheist Centre of India was founded in 1940 by the venerated Gora and Saraswathi Gora as an institution devoted to addressing the inequities and sufferings of the Indian people and to promote living as a community based on secular and humanist values. The Atheist Centre is devoted to promoting scientific values and skepticism, works to eradicate untouchability, caste, and other institutional parochialisms. It is also actively involved in abolishing the practices of Jogini and devadasi (banishment of widows from the local community with the expectation to commit suicide), and aims to end child marriages. The staff educates citizens on how to overcome many social taboos and superstitions, such as witchcraft and sorcery, that exploit or harm individuals and the community. Dr. Vijayam's tour of the US is sponsored by Atheist Alliance International. His first speech will be delivered at the World Humanist Conference being held in Washington, DC. There he will address the necessity of atheism in the modern world and its relationship with Hinduism and Islam in a multicultural democracy. On Tuesday evening, June 24th, Dr. Vijayam will address the Atheist Coalition of San Diego regarding his organization's activities. Atheist Coalition meetings are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the North Park Recreation Center on 4044 Idaho Ave., and are free and open to all. For more information, please call (619) 342-7388 or see our Meetings page. As Atheists For Human Rights president Marie Castle stated, “Dr. Vijayam is the head of one of the most prominent and active atheist organizations in the world, leading many struggles for social justice in India and abroad. He commands the respect and admiration of millions of atheists around the world.” This evening promises to be a special opportunity to learn more about the society of this dynamic country. Please join us.
About Atheist Coalition of San DiegoThe Atheist Coalition of San Diego is a coalition of unbelievers, atheists, agnostics, rationalists, skeptics, and secular humanists. Our goals include keeping a firm, tall, and wide wall separating church and state; promoting atheism as a worthwhile and wholesome point of view; promoting science literacy; and coordinating efforts with groups who have the same goals. About the Atheist Centre of IndiaFor more information regarding the Atheist Centre of India, please visit www.atheistcentre.in. About AAIThe Atheist Alliance International (AAI) is a worldwide organization of independent, religion-free groups and individuals. A nonprofit membership organization, AAI strives to assist in establishing democratic, atheistic societies and to foster their success and growth for the purpose of advancing rational thinking through education. In addition to sponsoring annual conventions, AAI publishes the quarterly magazine Secular Nation, The Freethought Directory and the Journal of Higher Criticism. AAI represents more than 5,000 members internationally and supports its members with information, networking opportunities and guidance as they face the challenges of living and promoting a nontheist lifestyle. For more information, visit www.AtheistAlliance.org. |
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