The news of alleged tantric activities in cremation grounds is a warning for society, but not fear and rumours; prudence and scientific thinking are our biggest protective shield.
Diwali is a festival of light, joy, and positivity. This festival teaches us to move from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from ignorance to knowledge. Ironically, on this very day, when we welcome happiness by lighting lamps in every home, some people attempt to spread the darkness of superstition, fear, and confusion in society. Amid reports of alleged tantric activities and the discovery of suspicious objects in cremation grounds and deserted places in Haryana villages, villagers are being urged to remain vigilant. While caution is necessary in such circumstances, it is even more important to maintain discretion and not fall prey to any form of superstition.
Cremation grounds are a part of any village’s social system. They are public spaces associated with serious and sensitive functions like funerals. Unfortunately, some people manipulate people’s emotions by associating these very places with stories of mystery, fear, and the occult. Sometimes, various rumors are spread about lemons, chilies, vermillion, ashes, dolls, objects resembling bones, or other suspicious items. Seeing these objects, some people immediately conclude something is amiss, witchcraft, or so-called tantric rituals. However, the reality is that the mere presence of an object there does not confirm any supernatural power or occult practices.
Society must understand that scaring people in the name of tantra-mantra, exploiting their financial constraints and mental distress, and extorting money in the name of miracles is a form of exploitation. Often, people struggling with illness, family disputes, financial crisis, child-related concerns, and personal problems fall into the trap of such so-called babas and tantriks. They are told that someone has cast a spell on their family, that there is a negative energy in the house, or that the crisis will not go away without a special puja. Frightened families spend their hard-earned money on such people. As a result, the problem is not resolved, but rather, financial and mental distress increases.
Science has achieved seemingly impossible feats in nearly every aspect of life. Medical science is curing diseases, agricultural science is increasing farmers’ productivity, and technology has brought the world closer together. At such a time, seeking solutions to any problem in witchcraft, sorcery, or so-called miracles is not a prudent approach. Illnesses should be treated by a doctor, legal problems should be resolved by the law, and family problems should be resolved through dialogue and understanding. Attributing any problem to invisible forces is like running away from the problem.
However, the vigilance of villagers cannot be underestimated. If suspicious objects or activities are observed in a village cremation ground, field, deserted path, or public place, the police administration should be informed immediately. Villagers should not attempt to touch, remove, or investigate any object themselves. Photographs or information about suspicious activities can be given to the police from a safe distance. It is not appropriate to accuse someone without proof, gather a crowd, or take the law into one’s own hands. Sometimes, a small rumor can escalate into a major incident. Therefore, only the administration’s investigation and official information should be trusted.
In this age of social media, spreading rumors has become incredibly easy. Someone can take a photo of an object lying in a secluded area and attach a story of witchcraft to it, and within no time, the message reaches several villages. People begin sharing it without verification. This creates an atmosphere of fear among villagers, and sometimes even innocent people are viewed with suspicion. This situation is detrimental to both social harmony and law and order. We must understand that not every viral message is true, and not every unusual object is linked to any witchcraft activity.
Haryana’s villages are characterized by mutual brotherhood, social cooperation, and collective responsibility. Village Chaupals, Panchayats, and social organizations can be effective means of spreading awareness. Gram Panchayats should ensure adequate lighting and security at cremation grounds, public places, and deserted roads. Villagers should be provided with police contact numbers and encouraged to report any suspicious activity. On the occasion of Diwali, especially, youth should take responsibility. This does not mean harassing anyone in the name of surveillance, but rather, their objective should be to ensure a safe environment and accurate information.
Parents also have an important responsibility to ensure their children are not frightened by the fear of ghosts, witches, sorcery, and occult powers. A scientific outlook, logical thinking, and the habit of asking questions should be cultivated from childhood. Children should be taught that it is wise to be cautious around dark places, but it is not necessary to fear imaginary forces. The real dangers are crime, antisocial activities, and unsafe situations, which can be prevented through awareness, safety, and the law.
Religion and faith impart the message of morality, compassion, service, and harmony. However, spreading fear in the name of faith, misleading people, and exploiting their helplessness is unacceptable. Worship and prayer may be a matter of personal devotion, but it is our responsibility to prevent superstition from becoming a social problem.
On Diwali, we need to not only light lamps in our homes but also spread the light of knowledge and wisdom in our thoughts. Take reports of suspicious objects found in cremation grounds seriously and inform the police, but don’t create an atmosphere of fear by linking them to sorcery or miracles. Don’t be misled, don’t fall prey to the traps of so-called witch doctors, and don’t accuse anyone without proof.
Remember, these sorcery and so-called miracles don’t solve life’s problems. Hard work, medicine, education, science, law, and positive thinking are the real solutions. Society needs awareness, not fear. This Diwali, let’s pledge to stay away from superstition, not spread rumors, and contribute to making Haryana’s villages a safe, educated, and scientifically minded society.
Because real light spreads not only from the lamp but also from the conscience and thoughts of man.
