Rationalists in Karnataka eat, swim dispelling beliefs about eclipse

Mangaluru: A group of rationalists swam in one of the city's pool and ate during solar eclipse to prove that the phenomenon will not affect normal life.

The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) along with other similar outfits met at Mangala swimming pool here to dispel the superstitions surrounding the solar eclipse.

Nearly 50 people alongside passers-by turned up by the pool to demonstrate the hollowness of superstitions associated with eclipse which was partially visible in India and elsewhere today, according to the News Minute.

FIRA president Narendra Nayak took a dip showing there was nothing fear of sunrays during eclipse.

As the eclipse progressed, rationalists distributed and ate alongside inviting public to view the eclipse through devices.

TNM quoted Narendra Nayak as saying that he wanted to show the eclipse would not influence normal activities, to dispel the "diktats" of superstition mongers.

Also in attendance were members of the DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India), SFI (Students Federation of India), Dakshina Kannada Rationalist Association and other organisations, according to the report.

Meanwhile a panel discussion on solar eclipse was held at in Bengaluru's Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.

HR Madhusudhan, who is the assistant director of the planetarium, said education and rational thinking is the most effective tool against superstitious beliefs.